Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: January 12, 1987
• Invested on: March 06, 1987

Joseph Jean Camille Robert Bourgeois, M.B.
Richard Dupuis, M.B.
Claude Ouimet, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On the evening of January 20, 1986, three residents of Lachine, Quebec, joined forces to save a drowning woman. The woman had ventured onto Lake S. Louis, but the thin layer of ice gave way under her weight. Mr. Claude Ouimet, hearing a cry from the lake, stopped. He headed toward the bank, where he met Mr. Richard Dupuis, who had also been alerted by the cries. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Mr. Ouimet ran to the home of Mr. Robert Bourgeois, who informed the authorities. Before heading with Mr. Ouimet to rescue the drowning woman, Mr. Bourgeois grabbed an extension ladder to ensure their safety on the ice, should it give way. Meanwhile, Mr. Dupuis and Mr. Ouimet stretched out on part of the ladder while Mr. Bourgeois lay down across their legs to prevent the men from falling in. Mr. Dupuis managed the grasp the woman by the arm and pulled her part way onto the ice. Mr. Ouimet grabbed her other arm and pulled her completely out of the water. Using the ladder as a stretcher, the rescuers transported the victim to shore, where the police and firemen took over.