Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: November 21, 1988
• Invested on: June 02, 1989

On the evening of June 18, 1987, Cst. David Peter Laporte of the Drumheller, Alberta Detachment assisted in quelling a riot by some 350 prisoners at the Drumheller Medium Security Institution. For over two hours he performed above and beyond the call of duty until the situation was under control. Initially, he dispersed inmates who were attempting to break into the institution's hospital and ensured that staff members inside were safe. From that point on, Cst. Laporte seemed to be everywhere as he helped the staff of the institution disperse groups of angry inmates, fight the fires that had been set in many of the buildings and evacuate prisoners and staff members from flame- and smoke-filled structures under a hail of rocks and other missiles thrown by the rioters. Cst. Laporte's presence at the institution in his uniform made him an easy target, but he continued to perform his duties, which were instrumental in maintaining control of the situation, despite great personal risk.