The first-ever Fire Commendation Awards took place at City Hall on Oct. 12, recognizing citizens in Ottawa who performed commendable acts of bravery.
The awards were part of Fire Prevention Week, an annual campaign advocating fire safety.
The inaugural awards honoured acts of courage and quick thinking in emergency situations.
Those celebrated were deemed to have assisted in saving a life, preventing injury, minimizing property loss, or simply comforting an emergency victim in distress.
The recipients were presented with a certificate to commemorate their achievements.
Lyle Emmerson was one of the ceremony’s 13 award recipients. In an emergency situation in his neighbourhood, Emmerson knew exactly what to do. On July 6, he was on Carruthers Avenue in Mechanicsville, just west of Centretown, when he noticed a fire at a house nearby.
Though he has multiple sclerosis, Emmerson stood from his wheelchair to pound on doors and the warn residents of two neighbouring houses of the emergency. His actions enabled nine residents to escape their houses safely.
Ottawa Fire Services spokesperson Danielle Cardinal said the awards not only honour bravery, they also to encourage others to practise fire safety.
“We remind people that they should never put themselves in harm’s way in the name of heroism,” said Cardinal.
“But there are simple things that everyone can do to help themselves, help others and help us do our job.”
Cory Moynahan was one of the residents who, thanks to Emmerson, evacuated his house unharmed. In an interview with CBC Ottawa, he described that night.
“I was fast asleep,” Moynahan said. “By the time we got out the vacant house where the fire started was fully engulfed. The flames were through the roof. It was scary.”
Moynahan said that Emmerson would never be one to seek recognition.
“Not only is he a hero, but he’s a really good guy. You talk to him for a few minutes and you realize he’s down to earth and the last thing he wants is the limelight.”
Cardinal explained that highlighting the stories of real people to promote fire safety and prevention through the awards is the best way to communicate the seriousness of the issue.
“People are being bombarded by so many messages, that sometimes we have to give them that human element so that they realize this is important,” said Cardinal. “We hope they never have to face emergencies, but we prefer that they be prepared, so that when it does occur, they know exactly what to do.”
The Fire Commendation Awards ceremony was officiated by Mayor Jim Watson, Coun. Diane Deans (chair of the city’s community and protective services committee), and Fire Chief Gerry Pingitore.
Another act of heroism celebrated at the awards ceremony was that of Geoff Walker, Alex Deschamps, and Owen Cole. Walker was driving on Melette Crescent in Orleans when he saw smoke coming from a set of townhouses. With the help of Deschamps and Cole, who were working nearby, the three men entered the burning home and rescued an unconscious victim.
River Coun. Riley Brockington attended the Oct. 12 ceremony and said honouring local heroes was essential.
“When people go above and beyond the call of duty of being a neighbour or a resident, putting others ahead of themselves, that really should be acknowledged,” said Brockington.
Brockington noted that emergencies, though sometimes tragic, can unite members of a community.
“The awards further demonstrated that there is a lot more good in us than not,” Brockington said. “When it comes down to it, I think a lot of people are willing, despite the danger to themselves, to help out someone in need.