Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1996-10-29
Invested on: 1997-06-16
On June 11, 1995, sixteen-year old Chad Pettit lost his life while attempting to rescue his father from drowning in Lac Erie at Long Point, Ontario. Chad and his parents were on a fishing trip when his father jumped into the lake to retrieve a lost fishing rod. The man soon realized he was in difficulty and called for help. Hearing his father's cries, Chad immediately jumped into the rough waters after him. While his mother attempted unsuccessfully to manoeuvre the vessel towards them and to throw them life jackets, Chad battled the waves and exhaustion, trying to swim to his father's side. Tragically, both father and son were pulled underwater and drowned.