Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: June 27, 2001
• Invested on: December 06, 2001

On April 10, 1999, John Getchell prevented his 19-year-old daughter from being struck by an out-of-control snowmobile in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Mr. Getchell was watching a race with his daughter when one of the snowmobiles missed a sharp turn, flew over a retaining snowbank and crashed through the spectator fence at high speed. Fearing for the life of his daughter who was frozen with fear in the direct path of the runaway vehicle, Mr. Getchell did not hesitate to rush to her and push her out of harm's way. In a split second, he was struck by the snowmobile and thrown to the ground. As a result of his valiant efforts to protect his daughter, Mr. Getchell suffered fractures to both legs.