Recipients of Inaugural Medal of Bravery Announced

Premier Rodney MacDonald announced today, Sept. 19, the inaugural recipients of Nova Scotia's Medal of Bravery.

"These are Nova Scotians who have found themselves in extraordinary situations and who have responded with great courage," said Premier MacDonald. "We are very proud to have such individuals in our province -- people who, in the face of danger, made the choice to act."

The recipients are:

• Jeffery Skaling, Canning -- Mr. Skaling saved the life of a young woman who was in danger of drowning. With no thought to his own safety, he swam out into Lumsden Dam, pulled the young woman to shore and performed CPR.

• Ira Moody Barkhouse and Arnold Whynott, both of Mahone Bay -- Mr. Barkhouse, and Mr. Whynott, witnessed an aircraft crash near Bridgewater and proceeded to fight a fire in the wreckage, saving the life of a passenger.

• A.G. McRae, Black Point, Halifax Regional Municipality -- Mr. MacRae came upon a motor vehicle accident on Highway 103. Through his quick actions, he was able to save a woman and her son from the burning car wreckage.

The recipients will be recognized at an investiture ceremony in Halifax on Oct. 29.

Medal Recipients were selected by an advisory panel chaired by Constance Glube, former Chief Justice of Nova Scotia. The committee also includes the deputy minister of Justice, the provincial fire marshall, the president of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association, the chief executive officer of the Emergency Management Office, the commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic, former Member of the Legislative Assembly Wayne Adams, and John Cody.