On 20 November 1982, Firefighter Frederick Beck of the London (Ontario) Fire Department, risked his life in the rescue of a fellow firefighter. After having conducted a search for trapped victims on the main floor of a burning downtown building, Firefighter Beck and a colleague proceeded to the basement to fight the fire. The smoke was dense and the heat intense, but the firemen attempted to dampen down the flames. The blaze suddenly intensified, seriously threatening the two and both tried to get back up the stairs. Firefighter Beck had reached safety when he heard cries for help. He returned to the stairwell, literally dove into the inferno, found his colleague on the basement floor and helped him outside. The victim recovered from serious burns. Had it not been for this act far beyond duty on the part of Firefighter Beck, his confrère would certainly have perished.