Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: May 4, 2006
• Invested on: October 13, 2006

RCMP Corporal Joseph Denis Laflamme, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On June 19, 2003, Cpl. Denis Laflamme prevented a man from taking his own life during a protest in Ottawa, Ontario. Cpl. Laflamme was monitoring the demonstration when he noticed a man carrying a gasoline container walking towards the group of protesters. The individual suddenly opened the canister and began pouring gasoline over his head and body, then reached into his pocket for a lighter. Cpl. Laflamme immediately rushed forward and wrestled with the man in an attempt to seize the lighter from his hands before he could set himself ablaze. Ignoring the imminent danger of fire as he was now completely soaked with fuel, Cpl. Laflamme managed to restrain the determined protester while a bystander pried the lighter from his hands.