Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: April 18, 2002
• Invested on: December 09, 2002

Shannon Wayne Burns, M.B.
Mike Kehler, M.B.
Lisa Miller, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On August 7, 1999, Shannon Burns joined Mike Kehler and Lisa Miller in rescuing two friends from drowning at Carter's Camp, in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Mr. Kehler and some friends were wading back to the mainland from a nearby island when three of the men were suddenly caught in the current and carried into deeper, turbulent waters. Although he had managed to swim out of danger, Mr. Kehler turned around and swam toward one friend in trouble some five metres from shore but the victim disappeared under the surface before he could reach his side, and drowned. Meanwhile, Lisa Miller had entered the water and made her way to another victim who, in his panic, climbed onto her shoulders and pushed her under the surface. Alerted from a nearby boat launch, Mr. Burns swam to Ms. Miller and, although he too succumbed momentarily to the frantic flailing of the man, managed to free himself and Ms. Miller, and to push the victim toward the safety of the shore. Mr. Burns was then joined by Mr. Kehler and together they grabbed hold of the third victim and towed him to shallower water, allowing the man to pull himself to safety.