The Ontario government is honouring 15 police officers and nine firefighters with the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery and the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery. These medals are the province’s highest honours and are awarded to police officers and firefighters who have risked their lives to save and protect the lives of others.
“The recipients of the Police and Firefighter Bravery Medals each put their own lives at risk when others were in danger,” said the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “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.”
Recipients of the 2024 Ontario Medals for Police and Firefighter Bravery are being recognized for heroic acts, including:
- pulling an unconscious driver from a submerged car
- rescuing a resident from a burning apartment
- swimming into stormy waters to save someone
- confronting armed suspects during active shootings
- dragging a driver from a burning vehicle moments before it exploded
- subduing knife-wielding attackers and violent assailants
“Ontario’s firefighters and police officers never hesitate to put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “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. I thank them for their dedication and extraordinary heroism.”
Quick Facts
- The Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery and the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery were created in 1976 and 1975, respectively.
- Nominations are made by fire departments or police services and endorsed by the applicable fire chief, chief of police or the commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.
- Medal recipients are determined by an independent body of citizens from the firefighting and policing communities representing all regions of Ontario.
Additional Resources
- Recipients of the 2024 Ontario Medals for Police and Firefighter Bravery
- Ontario’s Honours and Awards for Bravery
Media Assets
Electronic Press Kit Now Available: Ontario Awarding Medals for Bravery