Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1989-02-06
Invested on: 1989-06-02
Shortly after midnight on December 24, 1987, seventeen-year-old Alen Lokner saved his friend from drowning when their car plunged into the Welland River near Welland, Ontario. Swerving to avoid hitting an animal on the roadway, the vehicle skidded across the road, hit the wire guard rail and flipped into the river. The doors jammed and water began pouring into the car. Mr. Lokner quickly rolled down the passenger window and swam to the surface for air. Realizing that his companion was still trapped in the submerged vehicle, he immediately dove back into the water, located the open window, pulled the victim out and helped her swim to the shore where she collapsed into unconsciousness. Mr. Lokner carried the woman approximately one kilometre down the road to a house where they were able to find help.