November 1, 2011 - Premier Bob McLeod, together with Inuvik MLAs Robert C. McLeod and Alfred Moses, is today congratulating Inuvik’s Vince Sharpe for receiving the Governor General’s Medal of Bravery.

Mr. Sharpe received the award Friday, Oct. 28, from His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston in recognition for his actions to rescue two occupants from a burning trailer home, in Inuvik.

“I believe we all aspire to be that individual who will selflessly put the lives and safety of others before our own,” Premier McLeod notes. “Mr. Sharpe came face to face with this reality and proved himself to be, in fact, a hero – not once but twice.”

The Medal of Bravery (M.B.) recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances. It is one of three decorations for bravery introduced by the Government of Canada in 1972, to recognize people who risked their lives to try to save or protect the lives of others.

For more information:

Drew Williams
Press Secretary for Premier/Cabinet
Government of the Northwest Territories
t: (867) 669-2304
c: (867) 445-3739
drew_williams@gov.nt.ca

The following citation that was read before Mr. Sharpe received his medal can be read here along with all the other medal recipients.

Vince P. Sharpe, M.B.
Inuvik, Northwest Territories
Medal of Bravery

On November 17, 2007, retired firefighter Vince Sharpe rescued two occupants from a burning trailer home, in Inuvik, Northwest Territories. Mr. Sharpe stopped his vehicle when he noticed smoke coming from the door of the residence. At the same time, a woman ran outside, coughing and crying that her father was inside. Although he was unable to see due to the abundant smoke, Mr. Sharpe crawled inside, located the victim and dragged the unconscious man outside. Advised that there was still another man in the trailer, Mr. Sharpe crawled in again, feeling his way forward, until he located the second victim. He finally succeeded in bringing the young man to safety. Mr. Sharpe’s quick actions saved the lives of both men.