Ontario – The Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery was created in 1976 and honours firefighters who have gone above and beyond to protect and serve their community. The Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery recipients for 2022 are:
Volunteer Firefighter Robyn Judd of the Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service
On August 31, 2021, Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service responded swiftly to a distress call reporting a 12-year-old child trapped in the exhaust tunnel of the generator station at Elliot Falls, Norland. Volunteer Firefighter Robyn Judd, a Level 3 water rescue professional, fearlessly navigated the treacherous waters to reach the stranded child. With a safety rope attached, she skillfully made her way through the tunnel and threw a bag to the child who was pulled to safety. This courageous act exemplifies Volunteer Firefighter Judd’s selflessness and unwavering commitment to saving lives.
Senior Qualified Firefighter Andrew Cadieux, Firefighter Apparatus Operator James Ferraro, Firefighter Stephen Hilton and Captain Ron Vermeltfoort of the London Fire Department
On December 11, 2020, a call came in reporting a building collapse with people trapped inside. Within a mere two minutes, the crew from the City of London’s Engine 3 – Senior Qualified Firefighter Andrew Cadieux, Firefighter Apparatus Operator James Ferraro, Firefighter Stephen Hilton and Captain Ron Vermeltfoort – arrived on scene. The collapsed area was a pit of wet concrete, hardened cement, twisted metal and trapped people who needed their help. Aggressive rescue and medical operations were initiated, with primary responders focused on freeing the survivors. Despite the constant threat of falling debris, the crew of Engine 3 persevered and rescued all four survivors.
Firefighter Alex Clements, Firefighter Apparatus Operator Matt Davis, Captain Randy Evans, Firefighter Ryan Kruk, Senior Qualified Firefighter Simon Mackintosh, Captain David Smith and Firefighter Thomas Wenhardt of the London Fire Department
On the evening of August 14, 2019, an emergency dispatch call brought firefighters from the City of London’s Fire Station No. 2 rushing to a house where a car had crashed into the front porch, causing a gas leak. While the team quickly secured the scene and evacuated the area, disaster struck and the house blew up. The crew was engulfed in the blast and exploding debris. Firefighter Thomas Wenhardt was trapped under the wreckage. Captain Randy Evans, along with Senior Qualified Firefighter Simon Mackintosh, Firefighter Apparatus Operator Matt Davis, and Firefighters Alex Clements and Ryan Kruk, worked tirelessly to free him amid the chaos. Meanwhile, Captain David Smith, despite his own head injury, coordinated efforts with the crew on scene to put out the fire that was threatening to engulf the neighbourhood. Their heroic actions saved lives, protected fellow first responders, and prevented further destruction.
Fire Chief Stephen Conn of the Blue Mountains Fire Services Department
On January 11, 2022, a family found themselves in a dangerous house fire. As the fire rapidly spread through the home, the couple was unable to reach their two young adult children who were trapped on the second floor. By chance, Fire Chief Stephen Conn was nearby and rushed to help. He climbed a ladder to rescue the young adults, with one carried to safety, and the other assisted through the window to escape the fire. Without Fire Chief Conn’s swift response and bravery, the family would have suffered a tragic loss.
Picture source: London Fire Department