St John Lifesaving Awards presented on Saturday 23 June 2012 by Governor General to First Nations members Michael Henry and Kirk Laroque

OTTAWA, June 24, 2012 /CNW/ - Citation for the award of the Gold Life Saving Medal of the Order of St. John  to Mr. Michael Henry and to Mr. Kirk Laroque by His Excellency the Governor General, the Right Honourable David Johnston on Saturday 23 June 2012 in the Senate Chambers, Ottawa.

On January 22, 2011, in Anishinabe First Nation, Manitoba, with little regard for their own safety, Michael Henry and Kirk Laroque both entered a house which was engulfed in flames, to search for persons trapped inside.

In the basement, Mr. Henry found a woman who was asleep in one of the bedrooms. Awoken by Mr Henry, she was able to make her way safely out of the house. Continuing the search on the main floor, Mr. Henry found a second woman who was tangled in electrical wires. Without waiting to determine if the wires were live with electricity Mr. Henry and Mr. Laroque were able to entangle and drag the casualty from the living room out the front door.

Even though the fire was getting worse, both Mr. Laroque and Mr. Henry plunged back into the burning building. They continued searching the house until they found a third woman. They were also able to pull her from the burning building. Once outside, they realized that the third woman was not breathing, They immediately began CPR until relieved by a police officer. CPR was continued until emergency services arrived.

Mr. Henry and Mr. Laroque both suffered burns to their arms and hands, and were treated for smoke inhalation.

Because of Mr. Laroque and Mr. Henry's selfless efforts, two of the three women survived the fire. Regretfully and despite everyone's best efforts, one casualty did not survive.

For their brave and selfless actions, their courageous efforts, their team work and for their knowledge and use of first aid in saving and attempting to save lives, upon the recommendation of the National Life-Saving Medal Committee of the Priory of Canada, the Order of St. John is delighted to award the Life Saving Medal of the Order, at the Gold level, to Mr Kirk Laroque and to Mr.. Michael Henry.

Image with caption: "His Excellency the Governor General, the Right Honourable David Johnston, presenting the Gold Life Saving Medal of the Order of St John, to Mr. Michael Henry, of the Anishinabe First Nation, residing in Dominion City, Manitoba., during prestigious Award ceremony in the Senate Chambers on Saturday 23 June 2012 (CNW Group/ST.JOHN AMBULANCE - NATIONAL OFFICE)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120624_C3838_PHOTO_EN_15649.jpg

Image with caption: "His Excellency the Governor General, the Right Honourable David Johnston, presenting the Gold Life Saving Medal of the Order of St John, to Mr. Kirk Laroque, of the Anishinabe First Nation, residing in Ginew, Manitoba., during prestigious Award ceremony in the Senate Chambers on Saturday 23 June 2012 (CNW Group/ST.JOHN AMBULANCE - NATIONAL OFFICE)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120624_C3838_PHOTO_EN_15650.jpg

For further information, please contact Vicken Koundakjian at [phone], or at [email protected].

One of the recipients, Mr.Michael Henry, is available to speak to interested media prior to his departure today. Please contact Vicken Koundakjian at [phone] for arrangements.