Meritorious Service Medal

• Awarded on: January 24, 1997
• Invested on: September 12, 1997

Richard Paquin, M.S.M., St-Didace, Que.
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)

On November 20, 1994, Mr. Paquin, an off-duty VIA employee, demonstrated exceptional professionalism and presence of mind after a train accident in Brighton, Ontario. Although in ill-health, Mr. Paquin immediately took control of the situation when the train in which he was a passenger derailed after striking a chunk of metal railing. Despite the risks, he quickly restored calm, extinguished the flames and assisted the passengers safely from the wreckage. Throughout, Mr. Paquin maintained a high degree of composure and displayed exceptional leadership.