When flames engulfed her home, Stephanie McDougall knew she had to act.
“I thought we were both going to die that day,” McDougall said, of the blaze that engulfed her Hunt Club area home on Dec. 3, 2024.
With smoke and fire blocking the way, she pushed forward to reach her youngest son Malcolm and helped save his life.
“I had to be there for Malcolm. I couldn’t leave him there. I didn’t care about anything else,” she said.
On Monday, she was presented with a special challenge coin by Ottawa Fire Services, a token of appreciation for her heroism.
“I feel kind of blessed and honored by it to be honest,” McDougall said.
Chief Paul Hutt said the award recognizes support for first responders and the courage shown in crisis.
“We offer a challenge coin to that member because it really shows that they’re supporting the first responders that respond each and every day to these emergencies. And in this case, Stephanie stood up and protected her children and allowed our team some time to get in to help with that successful rescue at this fire,” Hutt said.
For her family, the heroism she showed that night is unforgettable.
“It’s amazing how she would do all that. I mean honestly, the bravest thing I’ve ever seen,” said her son, Cameron Ready.
“She is a superhero. Stephanie’s a very humble, quiet person and believes that she did what anybody would do,” said her mother, Beth Conway.
As for the coin, Stephanie is already thinking about where to display it.
“Probably in the living room. You know, I’ll find a good spot,” she said.