George Kenneth MacNeil, S.C. (posthumous)
Star of Courage
On 22 October 1982, in a fine display of selflessness and courage, George MacNeil gave his life in an attempt to assist a fellow worker who had collapsed at the bottom of a sewer filled with noxious gas. The man was overcome after he had entered the manhole to clear an obstruction. Although he knew the danger caused by a lack of oxygen in a confined space, Mr. MacNeil, who had remained above in order to supervise the operation, climbed down the ladder without hesitation. Carrying the unconscious man over his shoulder, he struggled up the ladder. Sadly, Mr. MacNeil was overwhelmed by the fumes and collapsed near the exit, falling to the bottom of the hole. He was later removed, but all efforts to revive him were in vain.