Three Calgarians were recognized in Ottawa on Thursday morning for coming to the rescue of others and were awarded Medals of Bravery by the Governor General of Canada.

David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, presented one Star of Courage and 42 Medals of Bravery at a ceremony at Rideau Hall.

The decorations for bravery were created in 1972 and honour those who risked their lives to try and save or protect the lives of others.

The three Calgarians who received the Medal of Bravery are:

  • William Dennis Ward
  • Brian Darrell McRae
  • Carly Laura Nikirk

Ward and helicopter pilot James Kitchen rescued two Inuit hunters who had fallen through the ice near Frobisher Bay, Nunavut in March 2011.

Kitchen managed to skillfully maneuver his helicopter over the water so Ward could reach down and pluck the victims for the freezing water.

Ward’s family says “We are all very proud of Will” and that he is” another example of a great citizen of Calgary.”

Kitchen will be presented an award at a later date.

Calgary firefighter, Brian McRae, rescued four people from possibly drowning in Varadero, Cuba on April 6, 2011.

He swam out and rescued two people in the water who were struggling in the surf and pulled them to safety.

A short time later, McRae noticed two other men who were also having trouble staying above the waves and was able to bring them into shallow water so they could walk to shore.

Carly Nikirk, also rescued someone from a near drowning.

On July 6, 2011, Nikirk pulled a woman out of the strong current and high waves off the coast of Texada Island, British Columbia.

She was able to move the victim to a nearby buoy until a small boat arrived and brought them all back to shore.

To see a complete list of award recipients click HERE.