Guy Lavoie, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
On July 4, 2008, Guy Lavoie rescued an injured woman who was trapped inside a burning vehicle, in Rimouski, Quebec. A tractor-trailer had rammed into several vehicles, which were stopped at a construction zone on the road. The impact sent two cars flying into the ditch and caused others to catch on fire. Witness to the accident, Mr. Lavoie rushed to check on the drivers and emptied two fire extinguishers on the flames, which, unfortunately, kept growing in intensity. He then went to one of the burning vehicles to help a woman who was severely injured. Although the heat and flames were intense, Mr. Lavoie reached in through the door, unhooked the seat belt and pulled the woman out. The tires exploded due to the heat, sending debris flying out as Mr. Lavoie picked the victim up and brought her a safe distance away, thus saving her life.