Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: April 17, 1993
• Invested on: December 06, 1993

On September 15, 1992, near Barriere, British Columbia, Mr. Thiessen rescued a man from being mauled to death by a black bear. Mr. Thiessen and a co-worker were laying out timber blocks when a black bear approached them and began to chase the co-worker. The man climbed a tree but the bear pulled him down and began attacking him. Mr. Thiessen beat the animal with a heavy stick and the victim was able to free himself. Both men continued to fight off the bear with sticks and stones, for half an hour, until they reached the safety of their truck.