Former Callander mayor Bill Brazeau and his son Ryan Brazeau both received the Ontario Fire Fighters Medal of Bravery on Thursday, November 24th during a ceremony at Queens Park.
Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell presented the pair with their medals.
The Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery was created in 1976 and is awarded annually to honour firefighters who have gone above and beyond to protect and serve their community.
See: Former Callander mayor earns award
And: Former Callander Mayor injured in fire
The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services describes it this way.
"Entering a burning building to save lives is a risk many firefighters must take. A morning fire on Dec. 16, 2014, at a year-round trailer park in Muskoka, and with zero visibility inside the trailer, added to the risk for volunteer firefighters Bill and Ryan Brazeau, a father and son team.
"Upon arrival at the scene, the firefighters were met by a frantic woman who had escaped the blaze but said a man was trapped inside. The Brazeaus, each wearing a breathing apparatus, entered the trailer and fought through thick, heavy smoke to where the man was believed to be located. Within seconds and without warning the fire intensified, the interior grew hotter and visibility plunged to zero. Fire now blocked the entrance, trapping the two firefighters.
"Making a life or death decision, Ryan dove head first out a window. His father followed but his equipment snagged on something inside the trailer, leaving him stuck. Ignoring the intense smoke and heat, Ryan reached back and grabbed his father. With extreme effort, Ryan was able to pull him through the window.
"It took approximately an hour to bring the fire under control. Sadly, the victim was later located in the rear bedroom of the trailer and did not survive. The outer layer of Bill's coat and pants were completely burned through and he suffered severe third-degree burns to his hands, shoulder and back. Ryan sustained burns to his shoulder, ears, and hands, likely resulting from pulling his father to safety.
"Firefighter Bill and Ryan Brazeau showed exceptional courage in a very hostile situation."
