Constable Patrick Duerden, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
On August 8, 2006, Constable Patrick Duerden, of the Toronto Police Service, entered a burning house in the city's west end to rescue its elderly occupant. Upon arrival at the scene, Constable Duerden could see that the house was filled with smoke. He ran inside through the back door, but was quickly forced out by the intense smoke. He re-entered the dwelling and, despite the limited visibility, located the victim who was unconscious in a hallway near where the fire was blazing. Feeling his way towards the back door, Constable Duerden dragged the severely burned woman outside just as the fire department arrived. Sadly, the woman did not survive.