Media Advisory
Three HRFE firefighters to be honoured with Decorations for Bravery by Governor General
Friday, Nov. 29, 2013 (Halifax, NS) – For just the second time in the history of the oldest fire department in Canada, three Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE) firefighters are being recognized nationally for heroism.
Volunteers’ Master Seaman Jason Sparkes, Greg Kutney, and Randy Johnson will travel to Ottawa next week to receive Decorations for Bravery from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Dec. 5, 2013.
In advance of the ceremony in Ottawa, local media is invited to gather at Peggy’s Cove on Monday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m., to hear the incredible story of how these three men – along with two RCMP officers – faced danger head-on in order to save lives.
Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Deputy Chief (Operations) Brian Gray will also be in attendance to express his gratitude on behalf of the entire fire service for the unwavering sacrifice these men made on that stormy night in November, 2010.
Where: Peggy’s Cove parking lot area
When: Monday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.
What: Firefighters’ Sparkes, Kutney, and Johnson will take members of the media on a tour of the rescue scene and show how the rescue was preformed, and the challenges they faced.
About the Rescue:
On Nov. 6, 2010, HRFE received a call of a man washed off the rocks at Peggy’s Cove. On their way to the scene, firefighters were told the victim could be heard several times yelling for help. That placed the firefighters – and accompanying RCMP officers – in an intensive search mode upon arrival.
During the search, RCMP Const. Chris Richard was also swept into the ocean by the waves. It was the attempted rescue of the original victim, along with the successful rescue of Const. Richard that earned the firefighters this national honour.
For more information on Decorations for Bravery, please visit www.gg.ca/honours.
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Media Contact:
Brendan Elliott
Halifax Regional Municipality
Senior Communications Advisor
902-220-0414
elliotb@halifax.ca
