Iqaluit city council recognizes life-saver Brian Twerdin

Brian Twerdin, co-owner of the Grind and Brew café, rescued a distraught 19-year-old woman after one of his employees noticed her struggling in the frigid water in front of his business on the morning of Sept. 30. (FILE PHOTO)

Iqaluit restaurant owner Brian Twerdin received a certificate from Iqaluit City Council Nov. 27 to recognize Twerdin’s efforts in pulling a distraught young woman from the water in front of his Grind and Brew café this past September.

Twerdin jumped into the icy waters and swam out to the woman to help her get safely to shore.

The 19-year-old woman was then taken to the Qikiqtani General Hospital, where she received treatment for minor hypothermia and a psychiatric assessment.

Twerdin, uninjured, was catching his breath when the RCMP arrived at the scene.

At the Nov. 27 council meeting, Coun. Kenny Bell said Twerdin had an influence on him when he was younger and growing up in Iqaluit.

“Brian was a big part of me growing up [as a] hockey coach. It’s nice to see you’re still touching young people’s lives in a positive way, Brian,” Bell told Twerdin.

Coun. Mary Wilman, chosen as Iqaluit’s new deputy mayor during the meeting, agreed that the move was brave and also thanked Twerdin.

Councillors continued to thank Twerdin for the act as did Mayor John Graham.

“I don’t think I would have been able to do what he did, trying to save someone from the cold water. I’m sure that person’s family is very grateful to you,” Coun. Joanasie Akumalik told Twerdin, who sat in council chambers with his wife, Elisapee Sheutiapik.