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Sergeant Stéphane Roy, a search and rescue technician at the Canadian Forces School of Search and Rescue, located at 19 Wing Comox, B.C., has received a Medal of Bravery from Governor General David Johnston.
Sgt Roy received the medal during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of the creation of the decorations for bravery.
Sgt Roy’s citation reads as follows:
On Dec. 4, 2009, Sgt Roy rescued a military diver from a possible drowning in Comox, B.C. The divers were conducting a training exercise underwater when [the diver] became disoriented. Subsequently, his regulator became tangled and his mask started coming off. In an effort to breathe, the diver mistakenly took in a large amount of seawater. Sgt Roy tried unsuccessfully to insert his own regulator into the mouth of the victim. Cut off from his air supply and fighting against the panicked diver, Sgt Roy worked to free the victim from the tangled gear. After the diver lost consciousness, Sgt Roy continued to care for him and signalled to others for help. They carried him to the surface and to safety.
“I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to recognize remarkable acts of courage in the service of others,” said the Governor General during the ceremony. “Through their actions, the recipients of the decorations for bravery have had an immeasurable impact on the lives and families of so many. On behalf of all Canadians, I commend their courage, honour their bravery, praise their heroic deeds, and recognize their humble hearts.”
The Medal of Bravery recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
