Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: April 10, 1996
• Invested on: September 13, 1996

Robert M. Pedersen, M.B.
Brian Schmelzer, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

Mr. Pedersen and Mr. Schmelzer saved a man, woman and two children from a flaming car after a highway accident that occurred south of Empress, Alberta, on November 12, 1993. When Mr. Pedersen arrived at the scene, the front passenger corner of the car was on fire and five people were trapped inside, the doors jammed shut. He immediately kicked in the back window and pulled out one of the children. Mr. Schmelzer, armed with a crowbar and fire extinguisher, fought the fire while Mr. Pedersen grabbed hold of the woman, who had crawled from the front to escape the flames, and pulled her out. Mr. Schmelzer pried open the driver's door and extricated the man. Together, the rescuers leaned into the flaming vehicle to free the other child who was trapped in the back seat. The flames spread and completely engulfed the car, making it impossible for them to return for the fifth occupant.