When a collision sent a vehicle into the Nicomekl River last month, several people acted right away to help, saving the driver’s life.
Surrey Fire Chief Larry Thomas honoured them with awards of merit and valour at Monday night’s council meeting, after explaining Surrey Fire Service (SFS) awards and commendations are designed to celebrate the efforts of citizens and first responders during extraordinary circumstances.
“Too often we only hear about negative things in the media these days. The granting of an award is a tangible and lasting way to recognize staff whose actions go above and beyond the call of duty, and citizens who provide assistance to the SFS that exceeds their normal civic duty,” he said.
On the afternoon of May 7, 2023 a motor vehicle incident resulted in a vehicle becoming submerged in the Nicomekl River, Thomas told those gathered in council chambers.
First on scene were off-duty Burnaby firefighter Paul Rushton and Surrey lifeguard Heather Jones. Rushton was the first person in the water and recognized the driver in the vehicle was in medical distress, Thomas said.
“Paul began rescue efforts on the entrapped patient while simultaneously trying to provide medical assistance. Heather joined Paul at the vehicle and assisted in these efforts, while also attending to the second person in the vehicle,” he said.
READ ALSO: Collision sends vehicle into the Nicomekl River Sunday (May 7)
“Constable Steve Dalton was the first RCMP member on scene. He swam to the vehicle and assisted with extraction and providing first aid until additional emergency services personnel arrived,” said Thomas.
Surrey firefighters Dwayne Foley and Tom MacDougall were members of the first fire crew on scene, and they immediately swam across the river to assist with CPR on the rooftop, and helped with the technical water rescue to safely move the patients to the river bank so paramedics could take over care, Thomas explained.
“These individuals came together despite the unusual patient location, personal danger and the risks involved to make a difference for these patients. They undoubtedly saved (the driver’s) life that day,” he said.
The SFS Award of Merit is for citizens and recognizes the effort to assist first responders in effort to bring aid to a patient in hazardous conditions, he continued, before saying it was his honour to award Rushton and Jones with the Award of merit.
“The award of valour for first responders recognizes an exceptional act of bravery under hazardous, life-threatening conditions to save the life of another by actions which go beyond what are ordinarily expected,” Thomas said.
“It is with great pride that I award Const. Steve Dalton and Duane Foley and Tom MacDougall with the Surrey Fire Service Award of Valour.”
@Canucklehedd
tricia.weel@peacearchnews.com
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