Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: March 1, 2005
• Invested on: June 24, 2005

Jeffrey A. Hawkins, M.B.
Renny Michael Kafka, M.B.
Mary Lucille Knight, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On July 29, 2001, Jeffrey Hawkins, Renny Kafka and Lucille Knight helped with the safe evacuation and rescue of residents from a burning boarding house for people with special needs, in Laurier, Manitoba. After Mrs. Knight located the fire on the third floor, Mr. Kafka and Mr. Hawkins joined her in alerting the occupants on all three floors and assisting them to get outside. As the fire raged on, some disoriented residents had managed to avoid staff and emergency workers and re-entered the burning structure. Although hindered by the intense heat and choking smoke, the rescuers went back into the dwelling several times and persisted in their efforts until they had to retreat from the failing structure, moments before it was engulfed in flames.