Inaugural Medals of Bravery Presented

Premier Rodney MacDonald presented four Nova Scotians with our the province's inaugural Medal of Bravery today, Oct. 29.

The medal is given to individuals who have assisted another person or protected the property of another person, and have done so at the risk of their own life or safety.

"This award was established to honour people who have risked their own safety to help others and who deserve the recognition of their fellow Nova Scotians," said Premier MacDonald. "Today's ceremony gives us the opportunity to thank our true Nova Scotia heroes for their courage and selflessness."

The recipients of the inaugural Medal of Bravery are:

• Jeffery Skaling, Canning, Kings Co.: 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, Mahone Bay, Lunenburg Co.: 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.

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, member at large.