Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1997-04-03
Invested on: 1997-12-05
On December 29, 1995, Matthew Burnie, then 12 years old, rescued his nine-year-old brother from the freezing waters of a pond in Tottenham, Ontario. Three boys had ventured onto the ice and, while crossing the pond, two of the youngsters fell through the frozen surface some 35 metres from shore. Although the first boy managed to pull himself out, Matthew's brother clung to the side of the hole, unable to break the grip of the current on his legs. Without hesitation, Matthew crawled along the thin surface on his stomach until he was able to grab his brother by the elbows. Despite the added weight of the victim's soaked winter clothing and the pulling force of the current, the 12-year-old managed to save his brother and to lead him to safety.