Nine Newfoundlanders and Labradorians took home life-saving awards yesterday for their acts of bravery.
St. John Ambulance presented the awards at a ceremony at the Anglican Cathedral in St. John’s.
Two men received the gold life-saving award, meaning they risked their own lives.
Matthew Fleming was driving past Holyrood Pond when he saw a man thrown from a boat into the frigid waters. Without hesitation, he went into the water and dragged the man back to shore. His quick response saved the man’s life.
As for his own, Fleming says it wasn’t a thought. He says he didn’t know if he would make it because it was so cold, but he had to do it. He didn’t think about himself, just the man in the water.
Seven people received silver life-saving awards including Cheryl Penney, who saved the life of a colleague at the St. John’s Regional Fire Department who was choking.
Penney credits her CPR training for her quick response. She says the training is very useful and if you don’t have it, you should because it can make the difference between life and death.
Lieutenant Governor Judy Foote was also installed as Dame of Justice in the Order of St. John’s and installed as Vice-Prior of the Priory of Canada.
Mike Stapleton receives a Gold (Risk of Life) Life Saving Award for saving four young people who were trapped in a burning vehicle in May 2019. @jiffycabs @judy_foote #SavingLives #firstaid #SJA pic.twitter.com/A40eOudYr3
— St John Ambulance NL (@SJA_NL) May 23, 2019
