Norman Wilson Leppan, M.B.
Kathleen Anne Merrylees, M.B.
Denise Edna Sheppard, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
On June 19, 2003, Norman Leppan, Kathleen Merrylees and Denise Sheppard rescued a man trapped inside a burning vehicle, on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. First to arrive on the scene, Mr. Leppan waved down Ms. Sheppard and Ms. Merrylees, who rushed to help the seriously injured driver crushed between the steering wheel and the seat. Undaunted by the flames spreading from the station wagon to surrounding trees, Mr. Leppan cut the seat belt while Ms. Sheppard, kneeling on the front passenger seat, struggled to release it. In the meantime, Ms. Merrylees, who had climbed into the back seat, grabbed the victim under the arms in an effort to pull him towards the passenger side of the vehicle. In spite of the flames coming through the windshield, the trio then managed to pull the victim out of the vehicle and drag him a safe distance away.