Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1985-04-29
Invested on: 1985-12-06
Constable William Robert Cross, M.B.
Frank John Schilder, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
Shortly after midnight on 26 June 1984, Ottawa Police Cst. Robert Cross and Mr. Frank Schilder saved the lives of four people when fire gutted a downtown three-story building. Passing motorist Mr. Schilder stopped at the scene of the fire, entered and sounded the alarm on the second floor. Cst. Cross arrived in his patrol car as a young couple fled the building. The two rescuers hurried up the stairs, knowing that a third floor apartment was occupied. Hearing no response to their repeated shouting, Cst. Cross kicked the door open. They found a non-English-speaking family of four huddled together - confused and unsure of their predicament - and led them to safety. Cst. Cross remained inside, searching the second floor on his hands and knees to ensure that no one was left behind. As flames had totally engulfed the upper floor, Mr. Schilder made his way through the dense smoke a third time to urge Cst. Cross outside.