One firefighter from Brampton and two from Caledon were given Ontario Medals of Bravery for rescuing people from burning cars after a collision on Highway 10 in April 2023.
Captain Jeff Clayton of Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Fairbarn and Firefighter Brandon DiMonte of Caledon Fire and Emergency Services were among the police and firefighters recently awarded the honour.
The firefighters were on the scene of a crash on Highway 10 in Caledon on April 24, 2023, according to a news release about the award. Two cars involved in the collision were in flames with people trapped inside.
Off-duty at the time, Clayton and Fairbarn were able to rescue the driver from one of the cars just moments before it became fully engulfed, the release noted.
The release adds that after moving to the second vehicle, they co-ordinated efforts with DiMonte to free the trapped driver despite the growing flames. The firefighters successfully rescued both people from the blazing wreckage.
“The courage these exceptional police officers and firefighters have displayed is truly remarkable,” stated Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, in the release.
“Each one of the recipients has gone well above and beyond their duties, and we are proud to recognize the impact of their selfless service on their communities and on our province.”
According to police at the time, three people were taken to hospital as a result of the collision. One was taken by air ambulance and two transported by Peel paramedics with serious, but non-life threatening, injuries.
The Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery was created in 1976 and honours firefighters who have gone above and beyond to protect and serve their communities.
“Ontario is fortunate to be home to the best police officers and firefighters in the country,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner.
“Recognizing these individuals with medals for bravery is a privilege and a great honour. Their work is an inspiration to us all, and on behalf of the people of Ontario, I thank them for their dedication to their communities and their extraordinary acts of heroism.”
Others honoured included police who subdued an armed assailant on a deadly rampage, first responders who rescued a child who was at risk of being stabbed and firefighters who entered a collapsed building to rescue people trapped in the debris.