Phillip Oree, M.S.M., Etobicoke, Ont.
Christine Steinwall, M.S.M., Pickering, Ont.
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)
On August 16, 1998, in Scarborough, Ontario, Head Lifeguard Christine Steinwall and Lifeguard Phillip Oree displayed outstanding professionalism when they went to the assistance of eight swimmers who found themselves in difficulty at Lake Ontario’s Bluffer’s Park Beach. Using their skills and training, they took charge of a chaotic situation and persevered in their rescue efforts despite the extreme weather conditions. Throughout, Ms. Steinwall and Mr. Oree maintained a remarkable degree of composure while combatting exhaustion brought on by the challenge of performing so many rescues in a short period of time. Sadly, one man did not survive the ordeal.