Three Nova Scotians Receive Medal of Bravery

Published by the Premier's Office

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Premier Darrell Dexter awarded three courageous Nova Scotians with the medal of bravery today, Nov. 16, for putting their lives at risk to help others.

Quotes

“ Nova Scotians are special people who look out for one another, whether it's performing a small act of kindness or taking courageous risks in extreme circumstances. Today's recipients are true Nova Scotia heroes deserving of recognition and appreciation. ” Premier Darrell Dexter

Quick Facts

  • This year's Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery recipients are:
    • Samuel Adams, Hilden, Colchester Co.: On a stormy evening of Jan. 24, 72-year-old Samuel Adams was on his way to bed when he heard a woman's screams. He looked out and saw flames coming from an overturned vehicle on his front lawn. Mr. Adams ran to vehicle and helped the trapped woman escape from the burning vehicle and called 911.
    • Winston Matheson, Enfield: On the morning of Nov. 20, 2009, Cpl. Winston Matheson was traveling Highway 107 in Dartmouth with two driver trainees on a Canadian Armed Forces bus. Cpl. Matheson was observing one of the driver trainees when an oncoming SUV crossed over into their lane and hit the bus. Cpl. Matheson was thrown through the windshield. After regaining consciousness with severe injuries, he crawled into the burning bus to rescue Cpl. Steve Keddy, who was unconscious.
    • Nancy McBay, Gasperaux: While hiking an isolated seaside trail in Kejimkujik National Park on Aug. 25, 2010, Nancy McBay came across three children and an adult being pulled out to sea by an ocean rip current. The three children made it ashore, but the adult who had gone into to help them, continued to be swept out to sea. Without hesitation, Ms. McBay swam through the rocky, rough waters to save the person. Ms. McBay's quick actions brought the person to safety.
  • This is the fourth year Nova Scotia's Medal of Bravery have been awarded.
  • Recipients were selected by an advisory panel chaired by Constance Glube, former Chief Justice of Nova Scotia.
  • The committee also includes the deputy minister of Justice, the provincial fire marshal, president of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association, the director of operations from the Emergency Management Office, the commander of Maritime Forces Atlantic, former Member of the Legislative Assembly Wayne Adams and member-at-large John Cody.

Media Contacts

Jennifer Stewart
Premier's Office
Cell: 902-497-7198
E-mail:

Images

Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery recipient Nancy McBay (left) has a tearful reunion with Maggie Winstanley, who she rescued from drowning.
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FROM LEFT: Justice Minister Ross Landry and Premier Darrell Dexter stand with Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery recipients Winston Matheson of Enfield, Nancy McBay of Gasperaux and Samuel Adams of Hilden, Colchester Co., as well as former Nova Scotia Chief Justice Constance Glube, who chaired the advisory panel that selected the recipents.
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FROM LEFT: Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery recipients Winston Matheson of Enfield, Nancy McBay of Gasperaux and Samuel Adams of Hilden, Colchester Co. hold their certificates.
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FROM LEFT: Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery recipients Nancy McBay of Gasperaux, Winston Matheson of Enfield, and Samuel Adams of Hilden, Colchester Co.
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Videos

PREMIER DARRELL DEXTER
CHIEF JUSTICE CONSTANCE GLUBE
Medal of Bravery recipient WINSTON MATHESON
Medal of Bravery recipient SAMUEL ADAMS
Medal of Bravery recipient NANCY McBAY

Audio

Premier Darrell Dexter says the recipients put themselves in harm's way to help others.
Justice Minister Ross Landry says Nova Scotians are unique and known for lending a helping hand when needed.