Medal of Bravery
Awarded on: 1998-06-25
Invested on: 1999-05-10
On October 2, 1997, thirteen-year-old Tessa Logan went to the aid of her mother who was being attacked by a man armed with a knife in Red Deer, Alberta. Tessa's mother had kindly opened her door to provide shelter for the night to a man from the church and soup kitchen where she worked. The man had pleaded to be let in and she allowed him to sleep on the couch. Minutes after she had retired to her room, the man barged in, grabbed her and put a knife to her throat, repeatedly uttering death threats. The woman struggled for the knife but the aggressor continued assaulting her as they fell to the floor. Awakened by her mother's cries, Tessa ran from her own bedroom and jumped onto the assailant's back. Although she clung to his arm, he lifted the knife to her mother's face and slashed her cheek. Tessa persevered and was able to distract him. He then chased her out of the apartment where she was able to escape.