Media Advisory

Local Heroes to be Honoured

(Tuesday, July 4/06)-- Mayor Peter Kelly will present the Governor-General's Certificate of Commendation to two Eastern Passage residents tomorrow for their heroic life-saving efforts at Stoney Beach, in Lawrencetown, last summer.

According to an RCMP report of the event, on July 3rd, 2005, at approximately 2 p.m., Darren Bert and Master Corporal Fred Piercey were at the Stoney Beach, in Lawrencetown, with their families. While playing on a sandbar with his children, Mr. Bert heard screaming from other children further out in the water. He took his own kids to shore and pointed out the girls in distress to his friend Master Corporal Piercey. Both men then grabbed "boogie boards" and started out into the water in attempts to reach the four children in distress, while someone on shore called 9-1-1.

The two men fought through high waves and battled an undertow in their attempts to save the children. Finally, Mr. Bert was able to reach three of the girls, while Master Corporal Piercey pushed on to reach the fourth girl who had become separated from the group. They were able to support all the children with the boogie boards and tow them into shore. None of the rescued or rescuers suffered any injury or required medical attention from the incident.

When:   Wednesday, July 5, 2006

Time:     10 AM

Where:   Halifax Hall, City Hall, 1841 Argyle Street, Halifax

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Mayor Peter Kelly
Mayor’s Office
490-4010

John O’Brien
Manager, Corporate Communications
490-6531