Medal of Bravery

• Awarded on: November 16, 2006
• Invested on: June 15, 2007

Wayne Terrence Bhnisch, M.B.
Joseph Allan Sinclair, M.B.
Medal of Bravery

On March 27, 2004, Correctional Service Canada officers Wayne Bhnisch and Joseph Sinclair put their lives at risk when they disarmed a mentally disturbed inmate holding a live grenade at a prison in Dubrava, Kosovo. The officers were working in an office when the prisoner suddenly burst in and struck Mr. Sinclair in the back. When the officers realized that the inmate was holding a grenade with the pin removed, they rushed forward and, undaunted by the weapon, tackled the aggressor. While they fought to subdue the offender and prevent him from releasing the grenade, they instructed other people in the vicinity to evacuate the building. After struggling with the armed man for some 20 minutes, they managed to push him against the wall and quickly exited the room, securing the door behind them before they escaped to safety. Several hours later, the prisoner surrendered to police.