A Cariboo man is one of 43 Canadians receiving a medal of bravery, this week.
Governor General David Johnston will bestow those, and three stars of courage at a ceremony Friday at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
The only recipient from northern B.C. is Madden Sarver of 100 Mile House. Sarver's citation is based on an incident in the heart of winter, Jan. 30, 2009.
"Madden Sarver rescued his
severely injured brother after their helicopter had crashed in a remote mountainous area near Grande Cache, Alberta," said Governor General spokeswoman Marie-Eve
Letourneau.
"The brothers had run into bad weather and could not maintain course. Mr. Sarver pulled his brother out of the wreckage and brought him a safe distance away. He then collected all the survival gear and clothing to keep his brother warm. Mr. Sarver set up a makeshift shelter, gathered wood, and built a fire. He then trekked several kilometres through deep snow to a logging road, where a search helicopter, unable to reach the crash site, had landed. Seventeen hours after the crash, Mr. Sarver led paramedics to the victim, who was then carried to the awaiting helicopter. Thanks to Mr. Sarver's
determination, the victim survived."
There are three levels in the Canadian system of awards for courage. Medals of bravery are bestowed on those "who show acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances" while stars of courage recognize "acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril." The top citation is the cross of valour which recognizes "acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril."
