Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1986-09-29
Invested on: 1986-12-05
A Scarborough mechanic was working on a car's fuel system on 27 November 1985, when gasoline spilled from the tank and soaked his clothes. A burning piece of sulphur accidently flew onto his clothing and he was immediately turned into a human torch from the waist up. Eric Burden, with complete disregard for his own welfare, jumped over the parts counter and ripped away his co- worker's burning clothes while beating out the flames with his scorched bare hands. Despite serious injury, the victim recovered.