Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1993-08-31
Invested on: 1993-12-06
Firefighter Captain Donald Melanson, M.B.
Firefighter Ron VanBuskirk, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
Off-duty firefighters Melanson and VanBuskirk attempted to rescue a man from a burning basement apartment in Moncton, New Brunswick on October 16, 1992. Told that someone was inside, Mr. VanBuskirk entered through the back door and, despite heavy smoke, crawled down the stairs. Forced to leave twice, on his third try he heard moans, but was overcome by smoke. He persisted, entering the area a fourth time but was driven out. At this moment, Mr. Melanson arrived and, holding a wet cloth to his face, went down the stairs. Hearing moans, he located the victim and dragged the heavy man to the bottom of the stairs where other firefighters completed the rescue.