Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: April 12, 2001
• Invested on: December 06, 2001

On June 14, 2000, Jennifer Parsons risked her life to rescue a five-year-old boy who had fallen into the swollen Nicomekl River, in Langley, British Columbia. Alerted by her daughter that the boy was being carried downstream, Ms. Parsons ran to the river bank but, unable to locate him, entered the freezing waters, calling out to the child. Swept beyond her depth by the strong current, she managed to make her way to the victim who was crying, desperately clinging to some branches. Hampered by the strong undertow, she grabbed hold of the branches while clutching at the boy. Numbed by the cold water, she struggled to keep herself and the young victim's head above water until they were rescued, some 25 minutes later.