WINDSOR JUNCTION: A young Windsor Junction youth was among eight Nova Scotians honoured Tuesday at a ceremony in Halifax.
The eight, including one posthumously, were recognized with the Medal of Bravery on Oct. 22.
It was presented to them by Premier Tim Houston in the Red Chamber at Province House.
The medal is awarded to Nova Scotians who have risked their lives protecting the lives or property of others, beyond what is expected of them in the course of duty.
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Alex Munroe of Windsor Junction was among those recognized.
In March 2023, Munroe’s two younger brothers were playing in the snow in their front yard when a dog attacked one of the children.
As Alex, who was just 13 at the time, and his mother ran to help the boys, the dog also attacked his mother.
Alex fearlessly fended off the dog, helped his family get to safety and called 911, saving his family from a potentially fatal attack.
“As a province, we have faced a number of challenges in the last few years, including devastating wildfires and extreme flooding,” said Houston.
“As Nova Scotians, we pull together and we watch out for one another. These recipients embody the spirit of what it means to be part of a community.
“On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I want to recognize and thank them for acting selflessly and going above and beyond.”
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Premier Houston also awarded the Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery to:
– Carl Comeau, Church Point
– Carl Deveau, Saulnierville
– Terrence Leblanc, Saulnierville
– Kevin Corkum, Middle LaHave
– Conor Scott, Dartmouth
– Nicholas (Nick) Holland, Ellershouse (posthumously)
– Bruce Lake, Hilden
The medal is awarded to Nova Scotians who have risked their lives protecting the lives or property of others, beyond what is expected of them in the course of duty.
The ceremony was on YouTube:
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The recipients and their acts of bravery:
– On June 14, 2023, off-duty paramedic Carl Comeau called 911 after he came across a house fire in St. Bernard, Digby County.
When paramedics Carl Deveau and Terrence Leblanc arrived, the three made the quick decision to enter the burning home.
Sadly, the woman they tried to save did not survive.
– On May 28, 2023, a large wildfire spread quickly through Hammonds Plains and Upper Tantallon.
As residents evacuated, Halifax Regional Fire Capt. Kevin Corkum and firefighter Conor Scott drove back into the evacuated area through the intense blaze and rescued a man from his home.
– On July 22, 2023, Nicholas Holland and three others were driving through heavy rainfall along Highway 14 near Brooklyn. Hants County, when their vehicle was swept away and filled with water.
Holland freed the people trapped inside. Two were later rescued by first responders.
Tragically, Holland and the fourth person, a youth, did not survive.
– On August 19, 2023, off-duty Truro police officer Bruce Lake was hiking with friends in New Brunswick’s Fundy National Park when they noticed a young woman in a river struggling.
Lake dove into the strong current and pulled the woman safely to shore.
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Quotes:
“Today, we recognize eight Nova Scotians from our own communities who, when faced with challenging and dangerous circumstances, responded without hesitation to try, and help others.
“I applaud their actions, and I am inspired by their heroism.”
— Barbara Adams, Attorney General and Minister of Justice
Quick Facts:
– this was the 14th provincial ceremony recognizing people who have risked their own lives to help others; awards were paused in 2020 because of COVID-19
– since 2008, 55 brave Nova Scotians, including today’s recipients, have received the award
Additional Resources:
Information on medal recipients and how to nominate a brave Nova Scotian is available at: https://novascotia.ca/bravery
