Meritorious Service Cross
Awarded on: 1997-11-12
Invested on: 1998-12-04
Captain Ian Risk, M.S.C., Canmore, Alta.
Meritorious Service Cross (civil division)
On July 13, 1992, in Calgary, Alberta, Firefighter Risk demonstrated the highest form of professionalism when he entered a burning building in search of a missing colleague. Although disoriented and hampered by intense heat and zero visibility, Captain Risk drew upon his training, skills and experience, and persevered in his attempts until he stumbled upon his unconscious comrade. Although his oxygen reserve was nearly exhausted, he remained by his colleague's side, radioed for assistance and attempted to revive him by sharing his own air supply. Regrettably, the man could not be saved.