Hearst residents honoured for courageous rescue efforts

Two Hearst men are among 47 people to be honoured during a ceremony Thursday at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, will present 46 Medals of Bravery and one Star of Courage.

OPP Constable Gino Nolet and volunteer firefighter Robert Ringuette will receive Medals of Bravery for their efforts in attempting to rescue a man from a burning apartment in Hearst.

Responding to a 911 call, Constable Nolet forced his way through the front door and climbed a narrow, smoke-filled staircase to reach the apartment.

He kicked down the door and crawled inside to locate the occupant but was forced back due to the thick, heavy smoke.

Constable Nolet then re-entered the dwelling with Mr. Ringuette to recover the unconscious man and drag him outside.

Despite their efforts, however, the man did not survive.

The Bravery Decorations were created in 1972, to recognize people who risk their lives to try to save or protect the lives of others.

Anyone is free to propose a person who has risked injury or death in an attempt to rescue another person.

The incident need not have taken place in Canada, and the rescuer need not be Canadian, but Canadians or Canadian interests must be involved.

The Decorations may be awarded posthumously.

For more information on the Bravery Decorations and on the recipients of these awards, please visit here.