Cross of Valour
Patrick L'Abbée Chouinard, C.V. (posthumous)
L'Ange Gardien, Quebec
On August 30, 2019, Patrick L’Abbée Chouinard woke to find his residence on fire. Rather than fleeing, Patrick remained to save his children. During his rescue attempt, an explosion occurred, causing him serious bodily injury. He persisted through the excruciating pain and managed to get his daughter out. He returned to search for his three-month-old son, but the flames overtook him. Firefighters found him near death, refusing care and pleading for them to save his child. The infant was rescued, but sadly died in hospital the following day. With severe burns over 90 per cent of his body, Patrick also succumbed to his injuries four months later.
The decoration awarded to the late Patrick L’Abbée Chouinard will be presented to his mother, Lucie L’Abbée.
Star of Courage
David E. Fragoso, S.C. (posthumous)
Spruce Grove, Alberta
Corporal Jean-Guy Christian Pascal Richard, M.B.
Cochrane, Alberta
On June 30, 2014, David Fragoso and his family were trapped in their burning minivan following a three-vehicle collision near Mallaig, Alberta. Off-duty RCMP Corporal Pascal Richard tried to free them, but the doors were jammed. Ignoring the flames rapidly spreading over his own body, David grabbed a fire extinguisher and sprayed his partner and daughter. Cpl Richard and bystanders rescued the girl; sadly, neither David nor his partner survived.
The decoration awarded to the late David E. Fragoso will be presented to his children, Mackenzie Fragoso and Dylan Scully.
Medal of Bravery
David Blouin, M.B.
Québec, Quebec
On February 5, 2021, in Limoilou, Quebec, David Blouin saw an apartment building on fire. Deterred by thick smoke at the back door, David climbed onto a first-floor veranda and entered through a patio door. Inside, he found a resident whom he directed out through the patio door. Hearing cries from a third-floor balcony, he instructed the person to stay put and guided firefighters to their location.
Danny Boucher, M.B.
Sainte-Martine, Quebec
On October 31, 2020, Danny Boucher witnessed a car crash on Highway 50, near Lachute, Quebec. He instructed his friend to call 911 as he rushed toward the burning vehicle. Despite rising flames, he forced open the crushed door and unbuckled both semi-conscious men inside. He pulled one of them to safety and returned to rescue the other moments before the vehicle was consumed by flames.
Talbot M. Raoul Boyer, M.B.
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
On January 29, 2021, bus driver Talbot Boyer spotted an overturned, burning vehicle in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Talbot attempted to free a man stuck inside but could not open the crushed doors. He called 911 and then crawled through the broken back window to rescue the man, whose body had caught fire. Police arrived and helped pull the man away moments before the vehicle became engulfed in flames.
Sergeant David Chafe, M.B., C.D.
Gloucester, Ontario
On July 20, 2019, Sergeant David Chafe and his partner were hiking the 378-kilometre Canol Trail in the Mackenzie Mountains, Northwest Territories. A grizzly bear charged his partner and she fell, unable to reach her bear spray. David ran toward her, diverting the bear’s attention. He stood his ground, making loud noises until his partner retrieved her bear spray. Together, they scared the bear away and continued their hike.
David Coffey, M.B.
Conception Bay South, Newfoundland and Labrador
On November 25, 2021, David Coffey rescued a man from sinking truck, in Point Verde Pond, Newfoundland and Labrador. David spotted a passenger inside the truck and called 911. He then asked another driver for a rope and swam out to the vehicle but could not open its doors. David then returned with a life-saving ring, helped the victim out through the window and pulled him safely to shore.
Corporal Jeffrey Czarnecki, M.B.*
Ottawa, Ontario
Constable Mark Stephen Facendi, M.B.
Spruce Grove, Alberta
Corporal Brandon Tobin, M.B.
Drayton Valley, Alberta
Sergeant Brian Topham, M.B.
Darwell, Alberta
Constable Norman Wong, M.B.
Chilliwack, Alberta
On March 29, 2018, RCMP officers in Evansburg, Alberta, spotted a suspect’s vehicle and began a pursuit. The suspect got out and fired on the officers with a high-powered rifle. Sergeant Topham fired back but was shot and rendered unconscious. The team provided covering fire while Constable Czarnecki approached Sergeant Topham. Still under fire, Constable Wong retrieved a first aid kit, while Corporal Tobin and Constable Facendi apprehended the shooter.
*This is the second Medal of Bravery awarded to Corporal Czarnecki.
The decoration awarded to Sergeant Brian Topham will be presented to him at a later date.
Corporal Kendall Daniels-MacLanders, M.B.
Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia
On August 5, 2020, aboard HMCS Toronto, Corporal Daniels-Maclanders saved a shipmate from being pulled overboard. During a training exercise, the shipmate got tangled in a helicopter’s fuel hose and was dragged across the deck. Corporal Daniels-Maclanders grabbed him as they were pulled to the ship’s edge. The pilot then adjusted the helicopter and reduced the tension on the hose, which allowed Corporal Daniels-Maclanders to secure the trainee.
Sergeant Paul Dungey, M.B.
Penticton, British Columbia
Constable George Hunter, M.B.
New Westminster, British Columbia
Detective Steve McCuaig, M.B.
Maple Ridge, British Columbia
On June 10, 2016, Sergeant Paul Dungey, Constable George Hunter and Detective Steven McCuaig rescued two people from their burning home in Port Moody, British Columbia. Responding to a domestic disturbance call, Sergeant Dungey and Constable Hunter found the house in flames. They led a man and a severely burned woman to safety. Detective McCuaig searched for other victims but had to withdraw. Sadly, the woman did not survive.
The decorations awarded to Constable George Hunter and to Detective Steve McCuaig were presented to them previously.
Sandra Desnomie, M.B. (deceased)
Abernethy, Saskatchewan
On July 11, 2018, Sandra Desnomie intervened in a domestic dispute at a clinic in Peepeekisis First Nation, Saskatchewan. When an armed man threatened his wife with a rifle, Sandra stood between them and talked him down. Twice, she grabbed the rifle, tearing off parts of it until it fell. The man left and was later intercepted by police.
The decoration awarded to the late Sandra Desnomie will be presented to her daughters, Billie Jean Dieter and Patricia June Lawson.
Constable André-Philippe Dupuis, M.B.
St-Isidore-de-Laprairie, Quebec
Constable Bao Long Lacasse, M.B.
Beauharnois, Quebec
On February 5, 2020, police officers André-Philippe Dupuis and Bao Long Lacasse helped a woman in mental distress on the Châteauguay River, in Châteauguay, Quebec. Despite the risk of ice breaking beneath them and the dangers posed by the freezing temperatures, both officers cautiously approached the woman. When she entered the rushing water, the officers acted quickly, working together to keep her afloat until firefighters arrived and pulled her out.
Robert Edlund, M.B.
Kenora, Ontario
Michael Neniska, M.B.
Longbow Lake, Ontario
On January 18, 2018, Michael Neniska and Robert Edlund rescued a man who fell through thin ice near Kenora, Ontario. Seeing the man fall, they boarded their snowmobiles and navigated the hazardous terrain. After several failed rescue attempts using a rope, they crawled carefully across the ice as it cracked under their weight. After reaching the hole, they pulled the man out of the freezing water.
Master Corporal (retired) Derek Eves, M.B.
Port Alberni, British Columbia
Tia Anderson, M.B.
Port Alberni, British Columbia
On March 12, 2019, Tia Anderson and Master Corporal (retired) Derek Eves rescued a person from a burning vehicle in Port Alberni, British Columbia. A pickup truck had collided with Tia’s car and caught fire. Hearing cries for help, she approached the truck. Derek stopped to assist, and together they pulled the driver from the vehicle. Moments after the rescue, the truck exploded.
The decoration awarded to Tia Anderson will be presented to her at a later date.
Suzanne Fortin, M.B.
Sherbrooke, Quebec
On March 6, 2021, Suzanne Fortin rescued her neighbour from a fire after a propane tank exploded in Duncan, British Columbia. Suzanne heard an explosion and saw her 75-year-old neighbour’s mobile home in flames. Not seeing him outside, Suzanne entered the home and found him severely burned and in shock. She quickly guided him out. By the time emergency services arrived, the trailer had been consumed by flames.
Shachar Gabay, M.B.
Thornhill, Ontario
Will Wang, M.B.
Toronto, Ontario
On March 30, 2015, paramedic Shachar Gabay and Will Wang rescued a man from a burning vehicle in Scarborough, Ontario. Shachar arrived first on the scene and tried to douse the flames with a fire extinguisher. Will, witness to the crash, broke the rear window and climbed in, with Shachar following. Together, they provided first aid and pulled the unconscious driver to safety.
The decoration awarded to Will Wang will be presented to her at a later date.
Keven Gagnon, M.B.
Notre-Dame-des-Bois, Quebec
On February 2, 2020, Keven Gagnon and another man went out on snowmobiles to check on friends who were ice fishing on Lake Magog, Quebec. As they reached the spot where one of his friends had broken through the ice, Keven’s other friend lost control of the snowmobile and slipped into the water. Keven used a cable to pull one man out and returned to assist the other just as paramedics arrived.
Braden Gertzen, M.B.
Vauxhall, Alberta
On July 21, 2017, Braden Gertzen rescued a woman trapped in her burning vehicle in Vauxhall, Alberta. Arriving on the scene, he tried to pry open the driver’s and back doors, to no avail. As the fire intensified under the hood, Braden kicked in the driver’s side window, pulled the victim out and brought her a safe distance away from the wreckage.
Nadine Giasson, M.B.
Ste-Geneviève, Quebec
Yesenia-Erika Masias Castro, M.B.
Roxboro, Quebec
On October 29, 2019, in Montréal, Quebec, a psychiatrist was attacked by a patient at the Hôpital en Santé Mentale Albert-Prévost. Nurse Erika Masias-Castro responded first, positioning herself between the injured doctor and the patient. Psychiatric intervention officer Nadine Giasson also intervened, attempting to disarm the patient. Despite a chaotic struggle, Nadine and Erika were able to subdue the patient until security arrived.
The decoration awarded to Yesenia-Erika Masias Castro will be presented to her at a later date.
Allen Girard, M.B.
Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc, Quebec
On April 18, 2021, in Parc régional des Grandes-Rivières du lac Saint-Jean, Quebec, Allen Girard helped a father and son who were stuck in the rapids. When the son slipped into the water, his father tried to rescue him, without success. Allen dove in, grabbed the father, and swam against the current to bring him to shore. Tragically, the son did not survive.
Blake Gooch, M.B.
Chilliwack, British Columbia
Adam Janzen, M.B.
Chilliwack, British Columbia
Cory Schaeffer, M.B.
Chilliwack, British Columbia
On July 29, 2021, firefighters Blake Gooch, Adam Janzen and Cory Schaeffer rescued residents from an apartment fire in Chilliwack, British Columbia. To reach several people trapped on the upper floors, Blake and Adam transitioned victims between a vertical roof ladder and a ground ladder. Meanwhile, Cory single-handedly carried an unconscious man down a 35-foot ladder. The team then helped put out the fire.
Corporal Devon John Graystone, M.B.
Edmonton, Alberta
On September 27, 2002, Corporal Devon Graystone put his own safety at risk to stop a knife-wielding attacker at a gas station in Edmonton, Alberta. Cpl Graystone saw a fight break out between the attendant and a man with a knife. Without hesitation, he disarmed and restrained the attacker, while instructing the attendant to call 911. He held the man until police arrived.
Corporal Peter King, M.B.
Grande Prairie, Alberta
Constable Ronald Lyver, M.B.
Summerland, British Columbia
Corporal Guy Johnson, M.B.
Red Deer, Alberta
On December 3, 2011, in Breton, Alberta, corporals Peter King and Guy Johnson, and Constable Ron Lyver, saved a colleague who was shot on duty. Responding to an active shooter situation, Corporal Johnson provided cover as Corporal King and Constable Lyver ran to assist the victim, with Corporal King getting shot twice in the process. Constable Lyver returned fire, allowing them to move their colleague to safety.
The decoration awarded to Corporal Guy Johnson was presented to him previously.
James Hardy McCubbin, M.B.
Yahk, British Columbia
On September 2, 2017, at the Burning Man festival in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, James McCubbin attempted to rescue a man from a fire. During the ceremonial burning, a man ran towards the flaming effigy. Mr. McCubbin tried to restrain the man, but as the fire intensified, a beam fell and trapped the man. James moved the beam and attempted another rescue; sadly, the victim did not survive.
Ronald Trevor Mills, M.B.
Edmonton, Alberta
On May 6, 2021, Trevor Mills was driving near Radium Hot Springs, British Columbia, when he encountered an erratic driver. He called 911, and saw the vehicle hit a tree and tumble down an embankment. Trevor rushed to help and found the vehicle leaning precariously on its side. He managed to pull the driver to safety just as the vehicle rolled over onto him, leaving Trevor with serious injuries.
Dale Parkin, M.B.
Leduc, Alberta
On May 17, 2019, in Leduc, Alberta, Dale Parkin rescued three people from a burning townhouse. After helping two women escape from the second floor, Dale learned that someone was still inside. Dale and another man broke through the front door but were blocked by flames. After entering through the back, Dale found the other resident and pulled him out moments before the doorway burst into flames.
Craig Sock, M.B. (posthumous)
Elsipogtog, New Brunswick
On April 3, 2021, Captain Craig Sock lost his life rescuing the crew of the fishing vessel Tyhawk. During a storm at sea, the boat capsized, trapping Sock and a crewmate in the wheelhouse. He freed his crewmate and then found the remaining crew on the overturned hull. Captain Sock re-entered the water to rescue an unconscious victim, pushing him to safety moments before disappearing underwater. Sadly, the captain did not resurface.
The decoration awarded to the late Craig Sock will be presented to his widow, Sue Ann Sock, his daughter Tessa and his grandson Kanoa Sock.
Constable Timothy Christopher Stevens, M.B.
Peace River, Alberta
Constable Brandon Goudey, M.B.
Cambridge Bay, Nunavut
On October 1, 2016, in Alberta, RCMP constables Brandon Goudey and Timothy Stevens rescued a man from the Peace River. Using a police cruiser’s seat cushion as a flotation device, they dashed into the water but couldn’t reach him. Running along the dyke, they re-entered the freezing water twice before finally reaching the exhausted man near the bridge and towed him back to shore
The decoration awarded to Constable Brandon Goudey will be presented to him at a later date.
Sylvain Valade, M.B. (posthumous)
Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Quebec
On June 5, 2019, Sylvain Valade and his daughter were walking around their resort in the Dutch Antilles when an armed man grabbed his daughter and demanded money. The gunman threatened her, but suddenly, Sylvain screamed and pushed the girl aside. As she fell, a gunshot rang out, severely wounding Sylvain. Though the shooter was later caught, Sylvain sadly did not survive.
The decoration awarded to the late Sylvain Valade will be presented to his daughter, Yanie Valade.
Michael Went, M.B.
Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick
Sergeant David Cowan, M.B.
Rothesay, New Brunswick
Constable Tyler White, M.B.
Saint John, New Brunswick
On January 22, 2017, Michael Went, Sergeant David Cowan and Constable Tyler White rescued Michael’s family from a house fire in Saint John, New Brunswick. The officers were on patrol when they found the house in flames. With Michael’s help, they escorted his wife and child outside. Michael re-entered, located his infant daughter, and brought her to safety as the house became fully engulfed.
The decorations awarded to Sergeant David Cowan and to Constable Tyler White were presented to them previously.
Constable David Wynn, M.B. (posthumous)
Chilliwack, British Columbia
On January 17, 2015, Constable David Wynn was killed by an armed suspect at a casino in St. Albert, Alberta. During a routine licence plate check, Constable Wynn and his partner discovered the vehicle was stolen. The suspect ran through the casino, shooting at the police in pursuit. With his partner critically wounded, Constable Wynn tried disarming the man but was shot. He later succumbed to his injuries.
The decoration awarded to the late Constable David Wynn will be presented to his son, Matthew Wynn.