Calgary, AB,
22
January
2014
|
13:32
America/Denver

Calgary Fire Chief recognizes civilian bravery

Twenty-eight Calgarians – including one firefighter – were recognized on January 22, 2014, for their outstanding bravery in an emergency situation by Calgary Fire Chief Bruce Burrell. Recipients of the Fire Chief’s award had been nominated by Calgary firefighters for showing compassion and selflessness in aiding someone in time of great need.

“It is an exceptional person who is able to think on his or her feet in extreme circumstances, who can act quickly, decisively and selflessly,” said Deputy Mayor Jim Stevenson. “Whether you’re a firefighter who helps people as a profession, or a citizen who happens upon an emergency situation, the efforts you put forth are valued and appreciated.”

Among the award recipients, one Calgary firefighter was honoured. Captain Rouge Ashmead was nominated for his actions in October 2013 when he witnessed a motor vehicle collision and worked with fellow recipient Dave Rutherford to pull the driver out of a vehicle as it caught fire.

“Because of your intervention, our crews were able to obtain the vital information they needed immediately upon arrival, allowing them to respond effectively to the needs of the victims involved,” said Fire Chief Bruce Burrell. “May the honour bestowed upon you today be a reminder to you, always, of your extraordinary courage and goodwill.”

Other courageous acts recognized today included diverting traffic to protect the victim of a motor vehicle collision until firefighters arrived at the scene, providing medical care to a motorcycle accident victim and helping a family escape from an apartment complex fire by leaning a ladder up to a second floor window.

 All of today’s honourees were nominated by Calgary firefighters and sent to a committee for review and recommendation for recognition in one of three categories: appreciation, recognition or commendation. Chief Burrell provided the final approval required and presented recipients of appreciation and recognition with a certificate and a Calgary Fire Department commemorative coin. Those receiving a commendation received a CFD Medal of Bravery. 
 

For more information on the Calgary Fire Department, please visit www.calgary.ca/fire.

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About the Fire Chief’s Recognition Luncheon – 2012-2013 Recipients

Appreciation - Recognizes individuals who have provided basic first aid or an act of kindness to a victim at a Calgary Fire Department-attended emergency scene.

  • Wayne MacDonald and Doug Otway
     

Recognition – Recognizes a significant effort to aid in a CFD-attended situation where property or citizens were in danger. The action may have resulted in property being saved or injuries being avoided.

  • Tyler Bower, Kyle Brazeau, Cody Langridge and Destin McClean
  • Darryl Williams and Mark MacDonald
  • Lars Irmen and John Oliver
  • Sydney Flodstedt, Marie Grisbrook and Gillian Yule
  • Rodney Medwid, Don Varga, Tim Varga and John Varga
  • Jeber El-Tasse
  • William West and Kevin Bland
     

Commendation – Recognizes an individual who intervened proactively in a potentially life-saving situation in advance of first responders arriving.  

  • Steven Rothenburger
  • Rob Rolston and Paul Young
  • Michael Jubenville
  • Captain Rouge Ashmead and Dave Rutherford
  • Matthew Robson and Natalie Wright