Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1985-11-25
Invested on: 1986-03-21
René Lamothe, a volunteer firefighter in Rouyn, Quebec, tried twice to enter a burning building on June 26, 1984, but fire drove him back. Turning to assist others trying to get in, he climbed a ladder to the second floor, entering a hot, smoke-filled room. With great difficulty, he managed to locate an unconscious woman, drag her to the window and lift her into the waiting arms of his colleagues. he then exited and, ignoring burns to his neck and smoke-impaired vision, continued to fight the fire until it was brought under control.