RCMP member receives Medal of Bravery for 2009 rescue attempt

An RCMP member will receive a Medal of Bravery Oct. 12 for a 2009 rescue in Cape Dorset.

On May 25, 2009, Sgt. James Wesley McLaren risked his life to try to rescue a suicidal man in Cape Dorset, says a backgrounder on the award.

Responding to a call that an intoxicated man was threatening to jump in the ocean, Sgt. McLaren arrived to find that the man had already jumped into the water after his girlfriend, also intoxicated, ran towards him.

McLaren jumped onto the ice and crawled to the edge. He threw a rope with a hook to the man, who refused to reach for it.

McLaren was unable to help the man, as he had to keep the girlfriend from jumping in. He pulled the struggling woman to safer ice and waited until search and rescue teams arrived.

Governor General David Johnston, was scheduled to present this and 43 other 44 Medals of Bravery at a ceremony at Rideau Hall, Oct. 12.

“I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to recognize remarkable acts of courage in the service of others,” Johnston said. “Through their actions, the recipients of the Decorations for Bravery have had an immeasurable impact on the lives and families of so many. On behalf of all Canadians, I commend their courage, honour their bravery, praise their heroic deeds, and recognize their humble hearts.”

Created in 1972, decorations for bravery recognize people who risked their lives to try to save or protect the lives of others. The Medal of Bravery recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.