Ratko Ray Djuric, M.B.
Barry Ryder Nilsen, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
On August 26, 2008, Ratko Djuric and Barry Nilsen rescued a woman from a burning house, in Bear Lake, British Columbia. Mr. Djuric was leaving for work early in the morning when he saw flames coming from his neighbour's basement. He ran to her house and could hear her inside, but was unable to see due to the dense, toxic smoke. Mr. Djuric held his breath and crawled inside to find her in the hallway. He grabbed her by the ankle and started pulling her towards the door, but had to rush outside to catch his breath. Mr. Nilsen then arrived and made his way to the unconscious victim, pulling her another short distance. With Mr. Djuric's help, he managed to drag her outside. The men then alerted other neighbours of the present danger. Because of their brave actions, the severely burned victim survived.