Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: November 23, 1987
• Invested on: June 10, 1988

Constable David Bowles, M.B.
Paul O'Brien-Hill, M.B.
Gregory Stephen Joseph Rose, M.B.
Luigi Gino Vittoria, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

A pickup truck carrying oxygen and acetylene tanks stopped under a railway overpass in Toronto during late afternoon on August 18, 1986. Hearing hissing noises, the pickup's passenger had gone round to investigate when leaking gases from the tanks ignited and exploded, throwing him some 3 metres away and shattering nearby office windows. The pickup's driver was trapped behind the blast-twisted steering wheel, while the driver of the car behind and a passenger in a taxi were also injured and disoriented by the occurrence. Luigi Vittoria, joining other on-site rescuers, attempted to open the driver's jammed door, next climbing onto the hood to help kick out the windshield. Meanwhile, Gregory Rose stood by, prepared to offer any necessary assistance. Paul O'Brien-Hill, standing near the back, was the first to become aware of the danger of further explosions and warned the other men to vacate the area. Although they left for a short time, several men, including Constable David Bowles, returned to the truck almost immediately, braving flames and smoke, and when two men were successful in extricating the driver, he helped to remove the victim from the danger zone.