Ontario Honours 24 First Responders with Medals for Bravery

Ontario Bravery Medals recognize police and firefighters for extraordinary acts of courage.

The Ontario government is recognizing 24 first responders with the province’s highest honours — the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery and the Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery — awarded to those who risked their lives to save others.

In total, 15 police officers and nine firefighters are receiving medals for acts of heroism carried out in 2024. These include rescuing people from burning homes and submerged vehicles, confronting armed suspects, and pulling victims from vehicles moments before explosions.

Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont said the recipients embody the strongest traditions of public service.

“Their tireless vigilance, and their remarkable selflessness and courage, make them an inspiration to their colleagues and to the community members they help to keep safe.”

The awards highlight life-saving actions such as:

• Pulling an unconscious driver from a submerged car.

• Rescuing residents from burning apartments.

• Swimming into storm-tossed waters to save someone in distress.

• Confronting armed suspects during active shootings.

• Dragging a driver away from a burning vehicle seconds before it exploded.

• Subduing violent attackers armed with knives.

Solicitor General Michael Kerzner praised the medal recipients, emphasizing their role in safeguarding communities across the province.

“Ontario’s firefighters and police officers never hesitate to put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe. Those we are honouring today have demonstrated great courage in risking their lives to save others.”

How Recipients Are Chosen

The medals are longstanding honours, created in 1975 (Police Bravery) and 1976 (Firefighter Bravery).
Nominations come directly from police services and fire departments, endorsed by their leadership. Final selections are made by an independent provincial committee made up of experts from Ontario’s policing and firefighting communities.

The full list of 2024 medal recipients is available through the province’s official honours and awards program.

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