Deputy Chief John Andrew Mellon, M.B.
Constable Shawn Charles Piercey, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
On November 11, 2006, Deputy Chief John Mellon and Constable Shawn Piercey, of the Pembroke City Police, rescued a suicidal man from drowning in the Muskrat River, in Pembroke, Ontario. Alerted to the scene, the officers observed the victim floating down the river, unresponsive to their calls. They immediately stripped off their duty equipment, dove into the deep, cold water and swam to reach the victim's side. They grabbed the unconscious man by his jacket and, fighting the strong current, towed him back to shore. They then carried him up a steep embankment and provided first aid until paramedics arrived.