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Mr. Paul Luca

Montréal, Quebec

Decorations for Bravery

  • Medal of Bravery

    Awarded on: 2006-06-22
    Invested on: 2006-10-13
    Azzedine Lahrichi, M.B. (posthumous) Paul Luca, M.B. Medal of Bravery On June 6, 2004, Azzedine Lahrichi died trying to rescue his son from drowning in the Rivière des Prairies, in Montreal, Quebec. Mr. Lahrichi was fishing at the water's edge with his son when the youngster fell into the water, close to a giant culvert. Mr. Lahrichi immediately jumped in after him but was swept downstream by the swift current. Seeing Mr. Lahrichi's predicament, Mr. Luca dove in the turbulent water and swam some 30 metres toward the victims. He managed to grab hold of the boy but the swift current propelled them into a powerful eddy and dragged them under the surface several times. Although weakened by his efforts, Mr. Luca succeeded in pulling out of the backwash. With the boy in tow, he fought his way back until they were able to touch bottom. Sadly, Mr. Lahrichi, who had disappeared under the surface, could not be saved.