Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: February 11, 1998
• Invested on: September 18, 1998

On October 27, 1996, Paul Bucci saved a man from drowning in the Fraser River, in Clinton, British Columbia. Mr. Bucci and four others were running rapids when their jet boat was swamped by two-metre waves at French Bar Canyon. All occupants were thrown into the frigid waters and carried adrift towards a large, swirling eddy. While the group was pulled apart, Mr. Bucci realized that one man was losing consciousness and managed to grab hold of him. Despite their life jackets, the duo was sucked under the surface as they were thrust into the whirlpool. Mr. Bucci managed to push the man back up but the unconscious victim was sucked under again. Caught in the spinning eddy, Mr. Bucci was frantically searching the waters calling for his friend when the man's limp body brushed against his foot. Using all his strength, he succeeded in heaving his friend to the surface where he was able to revive him. Exhausted, he then held onto him until they had floated out of the canyon and into calmer water where the entire party was rescued.