Two Caledon firefighters recently received bravery medals for a life-saving underwater rescue they performed last year.
Jesse Di Giovanni and Jack Rooney were among nine firefighters and 15 police officers recognized by the province for their heroic acts last year. The bravery medals, which are Ontario’s highest honours, recognized the two Caledon firefighters for pulling an unconscious driver from a submerged vehicle in August 2024.
According to the province, the Caledon firefighters, while driving on Highway 410 near Mississauga, spotted a vehicle overturned and submerged in a flooded trench with a person trapped inside.
Di Giovanni and Rooney immediately entered the murky water. Rooney located the unconscious driver who was stuck underwater. Di Giovanni then dove beneath the surface to unbuckle the victim and adjust the seat. With the help of an OPP officer, they shifted the vehicle enough for Di Giovanni to successfully free the driver.
The recipients of these bravery medals are selected by an independent panel of citizens from the policing and firefighting communities, with nominations requiring endorsement by the nominee’s fire or police chief.
Caledon fire chief Dave Pelayo noted the medals are “quite rare” and expressed immense pride in the recognition.
“This recognition reflects the highest standards of courage and professionalism within Caledon Fire and Emergency Services, and we are incredibly proud to see our members honoured with the Ontario Firefighter Bravery Medals,” Pelayo said in an email.
“Firefighter Di Giovanni and Firefighter Rooney exemplify our core values of service, dedication, and selfless commitment to protecting our community.”
Di Giovanni and Rooney declined to speak with the media regarding the award.
The province’s bravery medals for Ontario firefighters and police were created in 1976 and 1975, respectively.
“The recipients of the Police and Firefighter Bravery Medals each put their own lives at risk when others were in danger,” Edith Dumont, Ontario’s lieutenant-governor, said in a Nov. 24 news release. “Their tireless vigilance and their remarkable selflessness and courage, make them an inspiration to their colleagues and to the community members they help to keep safe.”
“Those we are honouring today have demonstrated great courage in risking their lives to save others. They went above and beyond the call of duty, and their actions play a vital role in protecting Ontario,” Solicitor General Michael Kerzner added.
Other 2024 awardees included police officers who confronted armed suspects during active shootings and a fire crew that subdued an assailant actively stabbing a victim.
Pelayo noted that Caledon firefighters were also honoured last year. Deputy Chief Jeff Fairbarn and Firefighter Brandon DiMonte received bravery medals along with Brampton Fire Captain Jeff Clayton for a joint rescue of people from burning cars after a collision on Highway 10 in April 2023.