Constable Patrick J. Smith, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
On July 13, 2013, Constable Patrick Smith, of the Ontario Provincial Police, rescued a man from the powerful rapids of the Ottawa River, near Pembroke, Ontario. The swimmer had been pulled by the current towards the rapids, but managed to cling to some rocks. With a life ring and rope in hand, Constable Smith tried twice to reach the victim. On the second attempt, the rope broke as they were being towed to shore. Firefighters in a rescue boat were then able to retrieve the man, but Constable Smith had to be airlifted out of the rapids by helicopter 90 minutes later.