Eleven of London’s firefighters have been awarded Ontario Medals of Bravery.
The medals were given out by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Elizabeth Dowdeswell, in Queen’s Park, Toronto, with medals being handed out for firefighting as well as policing.
“I have spent much time thinking about the constant risks and dangers that first responders face,” says Dowdeswell.
“Our province has benefitted greatly from their service, and today, we recognize the remarkable bravery of 34 police officers and firefighters from across Ontario.”
Many of London’s firefighters who won awards, helped aid and contributed effort in two key tragedies in the city including an explosion and a building collapse.
(Credit: Lieutenant Governor of Ontario) 260 Ontario Medals of Firefighter Bravery have been given out since 1975.
Captain Randy Evans, Captain Dave Smith, Senior Qualified Firefighter Simon Mackintosh, Firefighter Apparatus Operator Matt Davis, Firefighter Alex Clements, Firefighter Ryan Kruk, and Firefighter Thomas Wenhardt were recognized for their life-saving actions at an explosion at 450 Woodman Avenue in August of 2019.
As well, Captain Ron Vermeltfoort, Acting Captain Andrew Cadieux, Firefighter James Ferraro, and Firefighter Stephen Hilton were recognized for being the first responders on the scene of the building collapse at 555 Teeple Terrace in December of 2020.
“Our deepest thanks for your selfless and live-saving actions at these two devastating and life-altering incidents that affected our whole city,” says London Mayor Josh Morgan.
“It is most fitting these firefighters are recognized today for their brave and selfless action, and is also a poignant reminder of how fortunate we are as Londoners to have such dedicated and brave members working to keep us safe – each and every day.”
With 11 firefighters in London being given these medals of bravery, it also marks London as having received the most of any city in Ontario for the 2022 year. This is the case, not just in terms of the medals for firefighting, but also including policing medals as well, with Toronto receiving the next highest of 7 medals between the Toronto Police Service as well as York Region Police Service.
“Every day we have the privilege of working with dedicated and professional staff in the delivery of fire services to the residents of London,” says Acting Fire Chief Richard Hayes.
“From time to time, extraordinary incidents arise that require extraordinary efforts in the face of adversity to ensure the safety of those in need.”
Since 1975, 575 Ontario medals of bravery have been given out with 315 being given out for policing and 260 being given out for firefighting.
Wrapping up the ceremonies, Dowdeswell has one final message for the recipients, reflecting on the influence of the police officers and firefighters across the province.
“In accepting these medals, I hope that these brave men and women will re-commit themselves to serving the public with integrity, knowing that their accomplishments will help motivate a new generation of Ontarians to join their ranks, looking to follow their example.”
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