At a ceremony on Monday, November 2, 2015 at Edmonton Police Headquarters, the Royal Canadian Humane Association presented several citizens with awards to recognize exceptional acts of bravery and lifesaving while under duress. Following is a list of the recipients and their citations.
CST. DUANE BATEMAN, BRAD TILLEY, CST. JULIANNE TONER - Edmonton, Alberta
On the afternoon of November 5, 2014 a speeding vehicle struck another making a left hand turn across a busy intersection in Edmonton. A total of 5 occupants sustained various degrees of injuries. Brad Tilley, an off duty Edmonton Fire Fighter, stopped his vehicle to help. One of the vehicles, an SUV, was lying on its roof halfway up a berm. Brad rushed over to the unstable vehicle and noticed gasoline leaking from it. He asked a bystander to get a fire extinguisher from his car, then he crawled into the SUV to turn off the ignition switch to prevent any sparks from igniting the gasoline. The father was lying across the front seat with his head outside the passenger window. Brad noted that the daughter was pinned in the back seat and could not be reached until the father was removed. Emergency crews, including Cst. Julianne Toner and Cst. Duane Bateman were now on the scene. There was smoke coming from the vehicle and concern that the SUV might catch on fire. Despite gasoline dripping on her, Cst. Toner assisted firefighters by holding the father’s head while he was removed from the vehicle. He was put on a spinal board and taken to hospital. Cst. Bateman came to the aid of the girl in the back seat whose legs were pinned. He noticed she was having trouble breathing due to her back and neck being severely arched. While Brad raised the girl’s arms, Cst. Bateman placed a rolled up blanket under the girl to make her more comfortable. There was gasoline pouring onto her and dripping on both men. Once the father had been removed from the vehicle they were able to free the daughter, remove her from the vehicle, and she was also taken to hospital.
For removing two people from an extremely dangerous situation the Bronze Medal for Bravery is awarded to Cst. Duane Bateman, Brad Tilley and Cst. Julianne Toner.
DUSTIN BILL, GUILLIAUME CHARLAND, JARRETT DESROSIERS, JOSEPH ISAAC - Edmonton, Alberta
On June 22, 2014 around 2:00 a.m. a patron in an Edmonton bar was being assaulted and viciously stabbed to death with a large knife. Dustin Bill, Guilliaume Charland, Jarrett Desrosiers and Joseph Isaac, employees who were working in the bar, witnessed the brutal assault. Despite being previously warned of the dangers of intervening in situations where weapons are involved, all four men jumped on the accused, disarmed him, pinned him down and held him until police arrived. The victim received severe life-threatening injuries but survived due to the heroic actions of these 4 men who could not stand back and watch a man die.
For putting themselves at significant risk to save another, the Bronze Medal for Bravery is awarded to DUSTIN BILL, GUILLIAUME CHARLAND, JARRETT DESROSIERS, and JOSEPH ISAAC.
THOMAS DUKE, TREVOR YOUNG – Bassano, Alberta
On a windy May 22, 2015 a Calgary family were on their way to Dinosaur Provincial Park. The Mother was driving on a curve in the highway near Bassano when a strong gust of wind caused the SUV and trailer to fishtail, jackknife into the ditch, roll three times and land back up on its wheels. Thomas Duke and Trevor Young witnessed the accident and both stopped to help. Trevor Young ran to the scene and, after unsuccessfully trying to open the driver’s side back door, ran to the other side and helped the 20 year old son out. The front passenger door could not be opened but the father was able to climb out through the sun roof. The mother had a severe painful laceration to her knee and was trapped in the driver’s seat. Trevor informed her that the SUV was on fire and encouraged her to try to get out. By this time Thomas Duke had arrived on the scene and despite the smoke and fire around the damaged vehicle both Trevor and Thomas crawled into the back seat of the SUV. The husband was able to reach the seat control to recline it so that they could pull her over the driver seat and out the back passenger door. They pulled her about 15 meters away from the damaged vehicle which now was fully engulfed in flames and exploded soon after. The son suffered a concussion and has since recovered while his dad received minor cuts and bruises. The mother needed stitches to close her knee wound and is still recovering.
For rescuing two injured people from a burning car the Bronze Medal for Bravery is awarded to Thomas Duke and Trevor Young.
CAMERON CALDER – Athabasca, Alberta
On the evening of April 26, 2013 a family was driving northbound about 22 km. south of Athabasca when a deer suddenly ran across the road. The car hit it and the impact caused the vehicle to cross the highway, hit the ditch, flip onto its roof and bury the front of the car in the mud and grass. Cameron Calder was driving by and he noticed a young girl coming up from the ditch. He slammed on the brakes and ran to the accident scene. The father was yelling to save his kids and Cameron heard a small boy screaming in the back seat, but he couldn’t see him. Cameron had to pry the door and rip it open to get at the boy. He reached in to lift the boy, undid his seatbelt, and carried him out. Cameron next kicked the back door shut so he could get at the front where the mother was sitting. With great difficulty he managed to pry it open, breaking some fingers in the process. The mother was able to get out on her own. He brought the boy and the mother away from the vehicle as other people began arriving. Cameron asked them to call 911 and to direct traffic while he attempted to rescue the father. He could see the man’s upper body outside the window but his leg was between the steering wheel and the dash. Cameron cut the man’s seatbelt then grabbed the steering wheel and pulled it over to get the leg free, but, the angle of the vehicle prevented him from getting pulled out. Bystanders were arriving and a man helped Cameron lift the car up far enough so that the others could get the victim out. In the process Cameron cut his fingers on broken window glass. When they set it down the vehicle collapsed even more, however, Cameron’s actions undoubtedly helped save the family.
For his brave and selfless actions in saving 3 people the Bronze Medal for Bravery is awarded to Cameron Calder.
JEREMY CHRISTENSEN - Edmonton, Alberta
On September 14, 2014 a woman was walking her dog in central Edmonton when four large dogs broke out of their yard and charged toward them, the largest of the dogs weighed over 150 pounds. The woman grabbed her dog, attempted to run away, but was forced to the ground by the vicious animals. She pulled her dog under her as two of the dogs began biting on her legs while the other two dug at her back in an effort to get at her pet. Jeremy Christensen heard her loud screams and the horrible sounds of the dogs. He ran out of his house and as he approached the chaotic scene he realized there were four dogs attacking her. Fearing that he might be mauled if he tried to grab them, he began waving his arms and yelling to try to scare them away. However, they turned their attention on him. Jeremy immediately turned and ran towards his car parked in the alley, scrambling onto its roof to avoid the vicious animals. They circled his car jumping at him, then turned their attention back to the helpless woman and her dog who were still lying in the alley two houses away. Realizing the dogs would continue their attack Jeremy got into his car and drove up beside the woman. He threw open his passenger door, encouraging her to get in quickly. She managed to crawl into the car with her pet then Jeremy drove to his house where an ambulance and police were called. Jeremy attended to the victim’s injuries until they arrived and she was transported to hospital. The woman required surgery to close her wounds and was in hospital for two weeks. Her dog required extensive surgery but is expected to make a full recovery.
For his brave efforts to save a woman being mauled by four vicious dogs the Bronze Medal for Bravery is awarded to Jeremy Christensen.
DWAYNE HENSON, ANTHEA NELSON – Highway 16/Range Road 20 Parkland County
On July 18, 2013 a gravel truck which was speeding and driving erratically on Highway 16 west of Edmonton crashed into another truck causing both to roll into the median. The gravel truck had just passed Dwayne Henson and Anthea Nelson who was calling 911 to report the dangerous driver. While Anthea remained on the phone with 911, Dwayne pulled over and ran to the accident scene. When he arrived at the gravel truck the driver was trying to get out through the broken window of his crushed cab. Dwayne stopped the man from further injuring himself and waited while another bystander got a pry bar to open the door. Meanwhile, the other truck caught fire and, with the help of bystanders, the driver was struggling to free himself from the wreckage. They were having difficulties getting the man out due to his injuries and weight. Dwayne left the man with the pry bar to free the first driver and ran over to assist at the burning vehicle. With Dwayne’s assistance they rolled the man onto a blanket and pulled the victim to safety, just in time to avoid the explosion of the fuel tanks. The quick actions of both Dwayne and Anthea certainly helped to save the accident victims.
For his quick response to save the lives of the two drivers the Bronze Medal for Bravery is awarded to Dwayne Henson. For her presence of mind the Honorary Testimonial Certificate is awarded to Anthea Nelson.
BRANDON IRWIN – Pembina River near Drayton Valley
On July 3, 2013 Brandon Irwin, his family and friends were spending the day on the Pembina River. While the children were playing, their four year old friend was suddenly swept off her feet by the current and carried downstream. Seven year old Brandon, who was closest to her, immediately dove into the fast flowing deep water and grabbed the little girl. Completely submerged and fighting the current, he lifted her above his head while holding his breath underwater, until his older sisters and their mothers reached them and pulled them both up to safety. His alertness and quick response may well have saved her life.
For his brave actions in saving a young girl from drowning the Bronze Medal for Bravery is awarded to Brandon.
CONSTABLES; TIMOTHY MOELLER, BRANDON MYRE, NATHAN SHARUGA, ETHAN WATTS, NORM WONG - Edmonton, Alberta
On October 24, 2014, just after midnight, Constables Wong and Moeller came upon a burning townhouse complex that was under construction in west Edmonton. The fire was already burning out of control so they called for the fire department and additional police assistance. The building was unoccupied; however, the fire began to spread to three nearby residences that were occupied. Constables Moeller and Wong began banging on the doors and where joined by Constables Sharuga, Watts and Myre. They were able to get the residents out of two suites but there was no answer at the third. The fire was intensifying and the heat was almost unbearably as Cst. Wong continued banging on the door. A female finally came to the door. When she realized the danger she grabbed her small child, followed Cst. Wong to safety and informed him that her elderly paralyzed father was still inside. While Cst. Sharuga re-checked the first two suites to make sure they were empty, Constables Moeller, Myre, Watts and Wong entered the last one to carry out the paralysed victim. The flames and thick smoke were billowing around them making breathing difficult. As they carried the male out to safety, sparks and other debris fell on and around them. Once they confirmed that the 3 suites were empty the five constables moved on to evacuate other neighbouring buildings. By this time the Fire Department had arrived and quickly contained and controlled the fire while additional Police units came to assist with evacuations. The quick thinking and brave actions of the five constables helped to save four adults and a child.
For risking their lives, going above and beyond the call of duty to save the lives of others, the Bronze Medal for Bravery is awarded to CSTS; TIMOTHY MOELLER, BRANDON MYRE, NATHAN SHARUGA, ETHAN WATTS, NORM WONG.
SHELDON MURPHY - Edmonton, Alberta
On July 22, 2014 a man entered a pharmacy in downtown Edmonton and handed the pharmacist a robbery note while indicating he had a gun, in his waist band. A second pharmacist was given the note and the robber demanded drugs again saying he had a gun. The pharmacist screamed for help and the robber fled. Employees chased the 6 foot 240 lb. robber and cornered him. Sheldon Murphy was in the mall and heard the commotion. He ran to the aid of the employees and when he arrived on the scene he thought that the robber was fighting with someone. Without any thought for his own safety and knowing that the man may have a gun he took the robber down, holding him securely until security officers arrived. Sheldon got handcuffs from one of the security members and handcuffed the man - then waited for police to arrive. His quick actions prevented anyone from being hurt by this violent individual.
For putting his life at risk to save others the Bronze Medal for Bravery is awarded to SHELDON MURPHY.
KELLY PETRUK - Edmonton, Alberta
On December 16, 2014 a violent female, armed with a box cutter had robbed a liquor store earlier that day in downtown Edmonton. A few hours later she entered an orthodontics office and threatened to shoot an employee if she didn’t give her “the money”. When the employee froze, the robber noticed a female in the waiting room and grabbed her purse. A struggle ensued, with the robber threatening to shoot the female. Without regard for her own safety, Kelly Petruk grabbed the violent female, took her to the ground, and attempted to hold her. During this time she noticed that the female was armed with box cutters but, she remained cool and calm, keeping the would be robber pinned, until the police arrived and took charge.
For her brave actions in coming to the aid of another during an altercation with a violent robber the Bronze Medal for Bravery is awarded to KELLY PETRUK.
ALEXIS SHYMANSKI, LISE LORD, RICHARD NOWICKI – Jasper, Alberta
On June 8, 2015 a mother was driving to Prince George with her five-year-old daughter, Alexis and her 10 week-old-son. About 15 kilometers from Jasper she lost control of her SUV. It careened down a 12 meter embankment, slammed into a tree, and stopped with its back wheels up in the air. The mother was knocked unconscious by the impact suffering a broken back and extensive internal injuries. Alexis woke up hearing her baby brother cry and she tried to wake up her mother. Lexi realized she had to get help. She undid her car seat’s five point harness, which she had done only twice before. She next pushed the airbag away, kicked the jammed door open and climbed out of the severely damaged vehicle. She was barefoot but managed to scramble up the steep embankment. When Lexi reached the road she flagged down a passing vehicle carrying a family from Alaska. They could not get through to 911 so they tried to flag down another vehicle. Lise Lord and Richard Nowicki drove past but Lise decided to turn around to investigate. Once they realized what had happened, Lise tried to phone 911 and after several tries she was able to get through. Richard and the unidentified dad from Alaska went down to the accident scene. The two men got the baby out of the damaged vehicle. The dad brought the baby up to the highway while Richard (a retired paramedic) stayed with the mother and, recognizing a back injury, he kept her from moving. When she regained consciousness he informed her that her daughter and son were being cared for. Paramedics had to use ropes to navigate the steep terrain that Alexis had climbed up barefoot. Both the mother and Alexis were air ambulanced to hospital in Edmonton while the baby was taken by ground ambulance. It was later determined that the baby was injured, required treatment and kept in hospital for 6 days. The mother had to be resuscitated twice on her way to hospital in Edmonton where she was operated on for her back and internal injuries. Alexis had a scratch on her chin and soft tissue injury in her neck. Her heroic efforts certainly saved her mother’s and brother’s life.
For her quick and brave actions to save her family the Bronze Medal for Bravery is awarded to Alexis Shymanski. For their presence of mind Honorary Testimonial Certificate is awarded to Lise Lord and Richard Nowicki.
KRISTOPHER SULTAN, BRIAN ST. CROIX – Edmonton, Alberta
On October 21, 2014 a disguised male armed with a knife entered a bank in Edmonton and brandished it at two bank employees. They gave him money and the man ran out the door. Brian St. Croix was approaching the front door to enter the bank when the man ran out. Brian deduced that the man had robbed the bank and, as a concerned citizen, Brian immediately ran after him. He caught up to the male but the culprit managed to wriggle out of his grasp. Brian continued to chase him and when he caught him again, he was exhausted, out of breath and unable to hold him on his own. He yelled for help and Kristopher Sultan heard him call. Kristopher realized that Brian was in trouble and struggling with a violent man. He decided to come to Brian’s aid. Without any thought for his own safety Kristopher intervened, helped to restrain the bank robber, forcing the culprit back to the bank where they held him until police arrived.
For rescuing a fellow citizen in a dangerous situation the Bronze Medal for Bravery is awarded to KRISTOPHER SULTAN.
For his presence of mind BRIAN ST. CROIX is awarded the Honorary Testimonial Certificate.
GABRIEL USSHER, ALLEN WILDE - Edmonton, Alberta
On June 28, 2014 around 2:00 am Allen Wilde and Gabriel Ussher were walking eastbound on Jasper Avenue in Edmonton when they saw, what appeared to be, four males fighting. As they came closer they discovered three males violently attacking a fourth man who was already unconscious, unable to fight back. Both Gabriel and Allen approached the three men yelling for them to stop their assault. One of the assailants stopped his attack on the victim and rapidly came towards Allen, threatening to attack him. Allen calmly faced him and surprisingly the man fled the scene. Police were called and Gabriel and Allen provided them with sufficient detailed information which led to the arrest of two of the suspects by police a few blocks away. The victim of the assault suffered a fractured skull and lacerations to his head. The brave intervention by Allen and Gabriel stopped further injury to the victim and led to the arrest of two of the suspects.
For risking their lives to save another during a violent attack the Bronze Medal for Bravery is awarded to GABRIEL USSHER, ALLEN WILDE.
CLARK HIERATH, BEN CHRUSCH – Lake Country, BC
On June 29, 2013 a large group of family members were enjoying themselves on the beach at Woods Lake. Three of the boys in the group, all under 10 years of age, were playing in the water near the lakeshore close to the mouth of Vernon Creek. Suddenly, the wind came up and high white capped waves started to roll in. The boys were not wearing lifejackets and began drifting out, due to the swiftness of the current coming from the creek, which had turned into a torrent. Tracey Klein, the mother of two of the boys heard them calling for help and alerted those on shore. One of the boys managed to get out of the current close to shore and was helped out by a family member. Tracy ran into the water and started swimming to the second boy. She called for help as her son was panicking and they were being hit in the face by large waves. Her husband George Klein jumped off the dock into the lake to help her, while Michael Flintoft, the grandfather, headed to the third boy. Clark Hierath also jumped in to help. Meanwhile, Rick Albrechtsen and Ben Chrusch had managed to find a dilapidated two person paddleboat and were pedalling out while Stayton and Wynden Danylowich jumped into the water not far behind. When the paddleboat reached Tracy and her struggling son, she managed to push the boy on board. She was so exhausted she barely made it to shore and needed help getting out of the water.
The grandfather, Michael, was also having trouble staying afloat and was grabbed by Rick in the paddleboat. Clark Hierath passed George Klein and Clark was the only one to reach the boy who was about 100 meters from the shore, fighting huge waves and the strong currents. The paddleboat continued towards the boy, however, Clark reached him first. The boy was panicking and kept grabbing at Clark pulling him under. Clark was exhausted after the long swim and dealing with the frightened and struggling victim. In one last valiant attempt he swam under the boy and tried to push him out of the current. Stayton and Wynden had arrived and they were able to grab the boy as he was pushed to the surface. The paddleboat was now nearby and the two young men passed the boy to Rick and Ben who pulled him out. After a quick underwater search, Stayton and Wynden found the fully submerged, nearly drowned Clark and pulled him up to paddleboat. They all started to make their way to shore. There was no sign of George so Rick Albrechtsen dove off the paddleboat leaving Ben, the two boys, and the grandfather to be pushed to shore by Stayton and Wyndon. Once the others were safe Stayton and Wyndon joined Rick in a desperate search for George but, sadly, George Klein had drowned and was not found until later that day.
For his courageous efforts the Silver Medal for Bravery is awarded to Clark Hierath. For his presence of mind Ben Chrusch is awarded the Honorary Testimonial.
The remaining rescuers, all residents of BC, will be awarded at an Investiture held in that Province.
BRANT HANNAH, DR. DEBBIE MCALLISTER – Crawford Bay, BC
On August 30, 2014 a Cessna airplane carrying a pilot and female passenger was approaching the windy runway at Crawford Bay, BC. The pilot attempted to land when a sudden, strong gust of wind forced him to abort the landing. The plane ascended, hit a line of tall trees, bounced and crash landed upside down. The cabin was extensively damaged, especially on the passenger side, and the plane burst into flames. Brant Hannah (a trained paramedic/firefighter and pilot) was vacationing in the area with his wife Dr. Debbie McAllister and saw the distressed airplane. He called 911 and was first to reach the burning airplane followed by Juergen Baetzel, Paul Hinson, Tobias MacDonald and Carol Van Ruymsbeke. Brant pried the pilot’s door open and reached in to try to free the passenger and pilot, burning his hands in the attempt. Tobias kicked open the passenger door and eventually released the passenger seatbelt. At the same time, Carol led efforts to control the fire using fire extinguishers and water providing an opportunity for Brant, Tobias, Juergen and Paul to free and pull the two victims from the burning aircraft. The four men moved the victims away from the aircraft onto the grass and helped with first aid. Minutes later the burning plane’s fuel tanks exploded. Dr. McAllister was instrumental in coordinating the first aid treatment taking the lead role in attempting to resuscitate the passenger and keeping the pilot alive until help arrived. Unfortunately, the female victim succumbed to her injuries, probably on impact. The pilot spent three months in hospital and has endured many burn treatments, extensive surgery and physiotherapy. Brant was hospitalized overnight to be treated for the burns to his hands and smoke inhalation. The other rescuers were checked for smoke inhalation and released that day. Their efforts undoubtedly saved the pilot’s life.
For his heroic efforts in pulling two people from a burning aircraft the Silver Medal for Bravery is awarded to BRANT HANNAH. For her aggressive resuscitation efforts in attempting to save two lives the Honorary Testimonial Certificate is awarded to DR. DEBBIE MCALLISTER.
The other rescuers are residents of BC and will be receiving awards for their brave actions at the next BC Investiture.
Honourary Testimonial: Is awarded to those who show presence of mind during the rescue; however the attempt has minimal danger to the rescuer.
Bronze Medal: Is awarded to those involved in a noteworthy rescue. There is usually a fair amount of risk or danger associated with the rescue.
Silver Medal: Awarded to individuals who engage in a meritorious rescue, where significant danger is involved. Typically the rescuer is injured during the attempt.
Gold Medal: Presented for an extraordinary rescue or attempt to rescue, usually costing the rescuer's life or causing them great physical harm. The danger level involved is usually extreme.
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