Today, Her Honour the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario presented seven London firefighters with one of Ontario’s highest honours for firefighters, the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery via a virtual ceremony. The Medal of Bravery was created in 1976 to recognize acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
Captain Tracy Bradt, Captain Todd Broomhead, Captain Christopher Champagne, Senior Qualified Firefighter Jason Timlick, Firefighter Andrew Braatz, Firefighter Paul Bray, and Firefighter Craig Milliken were recognized with a Medal for Firefighter Bravery today for their life-saving actions at a structure fire on Egerton Street in 2017.
On Friday, December 8, 2017, a raging fire that turned into a flashover made this a life threatening rescue of two individuals trapped in the basement of a multi-unit dwelling. One firefighter was trapped by the flames in these extreme conditions and had to call a ‘mayday’, where others were mobilized to help. These firefighters worked together through very hazardous conditions to successfully rescue the trapped tenants.
“Too often, the efforts of our first responders go underappreciated or unnoticed. Not only is the awarding of the prestigious Medal of Bravery to seven London Firefighters so richly deserved, it is also a poignant reminder of how fortunate we are as Londoners to have such dedicated and brave members working to keep us safe – each and every day,” said Acting Mayor Josh Morgan. “On behalf of London City Council, and all Londoners, our deepest thanks for your selfless and live-saving actions on that day in particular. We must also acknowledge and recognize the families of all London firefighters for sharing these heroes with our community on a daily basis.”
“These firefighters showed extreme bravery and courage in the line of duty, under extremely dangerous and hazardous conditions, said Fire Chief Lori Hamer. “They put their own lives at risk in order to successfully rescue the trapped tenants. We are very proud of them – they are most deserving of the prestigious Medal of Bravery.”