Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 2004-06-16
Invested on: 2005-02-04
On May 19, 2003, Todd Gittins risked his life when he attempted to rescue a man from drowning in the Red River, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Alerted that the victim had jumped from a bridge into the swirling waters, Mr. Gittins raced down to the shoreline to assist. Treading chest-deep water, he reached a dock where he grabbed a floatation device. He then began swimming to catch up to the unconscious victim in the middle of the river. Although hampered by the forceful current, Mr. Gittins managed to grab the man's jacket and swam some 35 metres with him in tow until boaters arrived to haul the victim's limp body inside the small craft. Too exhausted to climb aboard, Mr. Gittins held onto the side and helped push the oar-less boat closer to shore where others had come to help with a rope. Mr. Gittins was then able to swim to safety but, sadly, the victim did not survive the ordeal.