Courageous Nova Scotians Receive Medal of Bravery

In times of crisis, Nova Scotians have often put their lives on the line to help others. Today, Oct. 3, the province recognized Harry Fraser and Nicholas Kaiser for their quick thinking and selflessness in life-threatening situations.

Premier Darrell Dexter presented Medals of Bravery to Mr. Fraser and Mr. Kaiser at a public ceremony. The medals are given to people who have risked their lives or safety to help or protected property of others.

"Harry Fraser and Nicholas Kaiser are heroes, and they deserve our acknowledgment and appreciation," said Premier Dexter. "The Medal of Bravery ceremony gives us an opportunity to thank them both for their courage and selflessness."

On the morning of April 8, 2010, Mr. Fraser's neighbour asked him to call the fire department because her curtain had caught fire. After calling 911, Mr. Fraser saw his neighbor running back into her home. Mr. Fraser ran into the burning house, found his neighbour on the second floor, and pulled her to safety.

Just after midnight on April 13, 2012, Mr. Kaiser saw a car cross the centre line on Prince Albert Road, hit a power pole and plunge into Lake Banook. Mr. Kaiser stopped his car and rushed into the cold water and used a rock to smash the window of the submerged car and pull out the occupant.

This is the fifth year for Nova Scotia's Medal of Bravery.

Recipients were selected by an advisory panel chaired by Vice Admiral Duncan Miller (retired). The committee also includes the deputy minister of Justice, the acting provincial fire marshal, president of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police, the director of operations from the Emergency Management Office, the commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic, and two members at large, Mr. Paul Pettipas and Ms. Ann MacLean.