The Commissioner's Award for Bravery recognizes someone who has performed an outstanding act of bravery and has responded with great effort at considerable personal risk in hazardous circumstances to save or safeguard, or attempted to save or safeguard, the life of 1 or more people.
Bertha Ayers
In December 1993 it was announced that a Commissioner's Award for Bravery would be presented to Bertha Ayers of Whitehorse on January 1st by Commissioner Ken McKinnon.
When the United Church on Main Street was destroyed by fire on Aug. 30, 1992, she, at considerable risk to her own life, helped Frances Walin to a basement stairway, where help was available to carry her to safety. Walin was a senior citizen who had nearly been overcome by smoke and fumes.
Margie Baikie
On June 9, 2007, Dawson City Fire Chief Jim Regimbal announced at the Commissioner's Tea that Awards for Bravery were being awarded to Margie Baikie, Anna Claxton, and Janice Kormendy, and the awards were then presented by Commissioner Geraldine Van Bibber.
The three women, members of the Dawson ambulance crew, were recognized for showing bravery of a high order. They risked their own lives by entering a burning house full of smoke to rescue Joe Vigneau, who was trapped inside.
Tyson Beauregard
At the Commissioner's Tea on June 2, 2018, five members of the Dawson Patrol of Canadian Rangers were recognized by Commissioner's Awards for Bravery for responding to a skiing accident at considerable risk to themselves. The awards were presented to Tyson Beauregard, Kyler Mather, and Bruce Taylor by Commissioner Angélique Bernard, while Will Fellers and Peter Nagano were unable to attend.
On the night of November 30, 2015, Joann Vriend went out cross-country skiing, but fell over a cliff and shattered her pelvis. In an attempt to get to safety, she dragged herself across the partially frozen Klondike River, where she lay for several hours in hypothermic shock.
The five Rangers went out to look for her after friends reported her missing from what should have been a routine outing for the experienced skier. Following her tracks, they realized that she had fallen over the cliff.
Searching out the appropriate climbing gear, they went down the cliff, calling her name. When they reached the edge of the Klondike River, they saw Joann was on the other side. In the dark, with the sound of the water all around them, they crossed the river.
They gave her their clothing, and built a fire to keep her warm until more help arrived. Without their efforts, Vriend had no chance of survival.
Kevin Blanchard
At the Commissioner's Tea on June 7, 2014, Commissioner Doug Phillips presented the Commissioner's Certificate of Exemplary Action to Kevin Blanchard of Dawson.
In the summer of 2013, Ron Johnson, the unofficial mayor Moosehide, fell off that community's dock and was being swept away. Blanchard was able to get him out of the river.
Ron Johnson introduced Blanchard for the presentation.
David Michael "Dave" Calnan
In December 1999, it was announced that Dave Calnan, a landscape architect in Dawson City, was one of four people who would be presented with the Commissioner's Award for Bravery on January 9, 2000. He had sold his Dawson home and moved to Fort St. John and was unable to attend the event, however.
On July 9, 1999, Dave rescued 19-year-old Carrie Fair, a lifeguard at the Dawson pool, from a vicious bear attack at the transient campground known as Tent City near Dawson. He was working nearby when he heard a cry for help, immediately rushed to the scene and began yelling at the animal and throwing sticks at it. Twice, the black bear thrust the woman aside and charged in his direction, each time returning to maul the victim and, with his jaws around Carrie's head, dragging her farther into the woods.
Persisting in the face of so grave a threat, Dave confronted the animal with a heavy log and beat it into releasing its grip once again, and retreating into the woods. With the bear circling in close proximity, he laid his body over Carrie's to prevent any further injury and provided assistance to the severely injured woman until help arrived. The bear continued circling the campsite even as emergency officials arrived and started treating Carrie's wounds.
With severe injuries to one leg and her buttocks, Carrie was flown to Whitehorse, then Vancouver, and eventually to Halifax, the hospital nearest her home at Dartmouth. Dawson resident raised over $14,350 to pay for the medivac flights, which are not covered by provincial health insurance. Carrie was severely injured - the bear was eating her - and has had 11 skin grafting and muscle rebuilding surgeries to repair as much of the damage as possible.
Dave also won the Governor General's Medal of Bravery, the Carnegie Medal in the United States, and the Stanhope Medal, the highest award from the Royal Canadian Humane Society.
Anna Claxton
On June 9, 2007, Dawson City Fire Chief Jim Regimbal announced at the Commissioner's Tea that Awards for Bravery were being awarded to Anna Claxton, Margie Baikie, and Janice Kormendy, and the awards were then presented by Commissioner Geraldine Van Bibber.
The three women, members of the Dawson ambulance crew, were recognized for showing bravery of a high order. They risked their own lives by entering a burning house full of smoke to rescue Joe Vigneau, who was trapped inside.
Benjamin Loren "Benji" Correos
In 2009, Benji Correos was posthumously awarded both the Yukon Commissioner's Award for Bravery and the Governor General's Medal of Bravery for his efforts to save his 7-year-old son from the Yukon River.
On August 16, 2007, Myles Correos had fallen into the river while walking with his parents and 3 other families. The boy's mother Josie and father Benji, jumped into the river to help their son. Benji was able to keep his son's head above water but was unable to resist the river's strong undertow.
Louis-Paul Courbron and Kimpton Gagnon-Després were able to rescue Myles but could not locate his father. Brendan Preston also saw what was going on, thought he saw a body in river, and swam out twice but was unable to find either Myles or Benji.
Louis-Paul Courbron
In early December 2008 it was announced that Louis-Paul Courbron, Kimpton Gagnon-Després, and Brendan Preston would be receiving Commissioner's Awards for Bravery for their rescue of 7-year-old Myles Correos from the Yukon River. The awards were presented by Commissioner Geraldine Van Bibber on January 1, 2009.
On August 16, 2007, Myles Correos had fallen into the river while walking with his parents and 3 other families. The boy's mother Josie and father Benji, jumped into the river to help their son. Benji was able to keep his son's head above water but was unable to resist the river's strong undertow.
Courbron, 23, and his cousin Gagnon, 20, had been walking along the Millennium Trail when they heard screaming. The people were in shock and didn't give any information, but the two men saw a person being rapidly swept downstream, and ran along the bank to catch up before jumping into the frigid water.
They were able to get the boy to safe ground but could not locate his father, whose body was found about a week later.
Brendan Preston also saw what was going on, thought he saw a body in river, and swam out twice but was unable to find either Myles or Benji.
On February 26, 2009, Courbron and Gagnon were both also awarded the Governor General's Medal of Bravery. Benji Correos was posthumously awarded both the territorial and national awards for his valiant efforts and sacrifice.
Will Fellers
At the Commissioner's Tea on June 2, 2018, five members of the Dawson Patrol of Canadian Rangers were recognized by Commissioner's Awards for Bravery for responding to a skiing accident at considerable risk to themselves. The awards were presented to Tyson Beauregard, Kyler Mather, and Bruce Taylor by Commissioner Angélique Bernard, while Will Fellers and Peter Nagano were unable to attend.
On the night of November 30, 2015, Joann Vriend went out cross-country skiing, but fell over a cliff and shattered her pelvis. In an attempt to get to safety, she dragged herself across the partially frozen Klondike River, where she lay for several hours in hypothermic shock.
The five Rangers went out to look for her after friends reported her missing from what should have been a routine outing for the experienced skier. Following her tracks, they realized that she had fallen over the cliff.
Searching out the appropriate climbing gear, they went down the cliff, calling her name. When they reached the edge of the Klondike River, they saw Joann was on the other side. In the dark, with the sound of the water all around them, they crossed the river.
They gave her their clothing, and built a fire to keep her warm until more help arrived. Without their efforts, Vriend had no chance of survival.
Kimpton Gagnon-Després
In early December 2008 it was announced that Kimpton Gagnon-Després, Brendan Preston, and Louis-Paul Courbron would be receiving Commissioner's Awards for Bravery for their rescue of 7-year-old Myles Correos from the Yukon River. The awards were presented by Commissioner Geraldine Van Bibber on January 1, 2009.
On August 16, 2007, Myles Correos had fallen into the river while walking with his parents and 3 other families. The boy's mother Josie and father Benji, jumped into the river to help their son. Benji was able to keep his son's head above water but was unable to resist the river's strong undertow.
Gagnon, 20, and his cousin Courbron, 23, had been walking along the Millennium Trail when they heard screaming. The people were in shock and didn't give any information, but the two men saw a person being rapidly swept downstream, and ran along the bank to catch up before jumping into the frigid water.
They were able to get the boy to safe ground but could not locate his father, whose body was found about a week later.
Brendan Preston also saw what was going on, thought he saw a body in river, and swam out twice but was unable to find either Myles or Benji.
On February 26, 2009, Gagnon and Courbron were both also awarded the Governor General's Medal of Bravery. Benji Correos was posthumously awarded both the territorial and national awards for his valiant efforts and sacrifice.
Michael Hawley
On September 5, 1986, Michael Hawley was presented with the Commissioner's Award for Bravery in a ceremony in Whitehorse, for an act of heroism three years ago.
Michael, who divides his time between forest fire fighting and gold mining, saved the life of Frank Narzoni on May 18, 1983, after a gust of wind caught Narzoni's canoe and dumped him into the frigid waters of the Yukon River at 5:30 in the morning.
Narzoni's cries for help as he drifted by town were heard by Hawley, who lived near the river. Hawley ran to the river, dove and in swam 15 meters to Narzoni, then dragged the semi-conscious canoeist to shore. Another Dawson resident helped get him out of the water and take him to the Dawson medical clinic. Narzoni was released a few hours later.
Janice Kormendy
On June 9, 2007, Dawson City Fire Chief Jim Regimbal announced at the Commissioner's Tea that Awards for Bravery were being awarded to Janice Kormendy, Margie Baikie, and Anna Claxton, and the awards were then presented by Commissioner Geraldine Van Bibber.
The three women, members of the Dawson ambulance crew, were recognized for showing bravery of a high order. They risked their own lives by entering a burning house full of smoke to rescue Joe Vigneau, who was trapped inside.
Kyler Mather
At the Commissioner's Tea on June 2, 2018, five members of the Dawson Patrol of Canadian Rangers were recognized by Commissioner's Awards for Bravery for responding to a skiing accident at considerable risk to themselves. The awards were presented to Kyler Mather, Bruce Taylor, and Tyson Beauregard by Commissioner Angélique Bernard, while Will Fellers and Peter Nagano were unable to attend.
On the night of November 30, 2015, Joann Vriend went out cross-country skiing, but fell over a cliff and shattered her pelvis. In an attempt to get to safety, she dragged herself across the partially frozen Klondike River, where she lay for several hours in hypothermic shock.
The five Rangers went out to look for her after friends reported her missing from what should have been a routine outing for the experienced skier. Following her tracks, they realized that she had fallen over the cliff.
Searching out the appropriate climbing gear, they went down the cliff, calling her name. When they reached the edge of the Klondike River, they saw Joann was on the other side. In the dark, with the sound of the water all around them, they crossed the river.
They gave her their clothing, and built a fire to keep her warm until more help arrived. Without their efforts, Vriend had no chance of survival.
John "Mitch" Mitchell
In December 1999, it was announced that John "Mitch" Mitchell of Dawson City was one of four people who would be presented with the Commissioner's Award for Bravery on January 9, 2000.
Mitchell was honoured for the valour he showed in saving 6-year-old Corey Taylor who was being attacked by two Rottweilers in April 1998. He first beat the dogs off Taylor with a bucket and camp stove he grabbed from the back of his truck, then placed himself between the crazed animals and the child while assisting him to the truck.
Badly injured, the boy was taken to the Dawson nursing station then was medivaced to the BC Children's Hospital in Vancouver where he underwent several hours of surgery. The dogs were destroyed but no charges were laid against their owner.
As a result of this rescue, Mitchell, who is a Canadian Ranger, is also the first member of that organization to win the Order of Military Merit.
Peter Nagano
At the Commissioner's Tea on June 2, 2018, five members of the Dawson Patrol of Canadian Rangers were recognized by Commissioner's Awards for Bravery for responding to a skiing accident at considerable risk to themselves. The awards were presented to Tyson Beauregard, Kyler Mather, and Bruce Taylor by Commissioner Angélique Bernard, while Will Fellers and Peter Nagano were unable to attend.
On the night of November 30, 2015, Joann Vriend went out cross-country skiing, but fell over a cliff and shattered her pelvis. In an attempt to get to safety, she dragged herself across the partially frozen Klondike River, where she lay for several hours in hypothermic shock.
The five Rangers went out to look for her after friends reported her missing from what should have been a routine outing for the experienced skier. Following her tracks, they realized that she had fallen over the cliff.
Searching out the appropriate climbing gear, they went down the cliff, calling her name. When they reached the edge of the Klondike River, they saw Joann was on the other side. In the dark, with the sound of the water all around them, they crossed the river.
They gave her their clothing, and built a fire to keep her warm until more help arrived. Without their efforts, Vriend had no chance of survival.
Eddy Oulton
In December 2003 it was announced that 13-year-old Eddy Oulton of Porter Creek would be this year's only recipient of Commissioner's Award for Bravery, to be presented on January 1st.
Oulton and 13-year-old Kevin Pike were out riding at around 5 p.m. last
Sept. 11 in the area of what is known locally as Bald Hill, or the highest point
of land in Porter Creek that overlooks Yukon College and McIntyre Creek. Oulton was leading on his trail bike, with Pike behind on an ATV.
Pike hit a bump, causing his ATV to flip and throw him into the bushes against a tree. The accident resulted in a broken wrist, but more critical was a gash on
Pike's leg that later required some 50 stitches on the outside and 20 on the inside to close. The loss of blood was described as near-fatal, as the injury involved a severed vein.
Oulton raced down the old road leading to the top of Bald Hill, and to his Eleventh Avenue home to seek the help of his mother, Suzanne, and Uncle Gordon Longman, all three of whom in turned raced back to the scene and called 911.
Without the brave actions of his best friend, Kevin would most certainly
have faced much more serious repercussions from his actions, perhaps even death. In the face of adversity, Eddy proved he knew what to do and had the courage to make very difficult decisions during a critical time.
Kevin credits Eddy with saving his life that night, and has added that he
suffered no head injuries because of Eddy's insistence that they both wear their helmets.
Gary Pettifor
In December 1999, it was announced that Gary Pettifor of Whitehorse was one of four people who would be presented with the Commissioner's Award for Bravery on January 9, 2000.
Pettifor, a Whitehorse firefighter, was honoured for a December 1995 Yukon River rescue. With the temperature at -16°, Pettifor crawled along a ladder laid on the thin ice to reach a 54-year-old Carcross man, who was 30 metres from shore, and got him onto the ladder. The man was suicidal and had entered the water near Kanoe People's operation at about 10:30 pm after a disagreement with his female partner. He changed his mind but fell in anyway and was swept away.
The rescue involved three Whitehorse firefighters and two of their volunteers as well as police and ambulance crews. The man was taken to hospital suffering from hypothermia but was released when he warmed up.
Thane Phillips
In December 1999, it was announced that Thane Phillips of Whitehorse was one of four people who would be presented with the Commissioner's Award for Bravery on January 9, 2000.
In June 1999, Phillips dove into the water at the confluence of the Yukon and Takhini Rivers to rescue three people whose canoe had overturned. After paying particular attention to one of the three, who was beginning to drown, Phillips managed to get the hypothermic victims ashore and administer first aid.
Brendan Preston
In early December 2008 it was announced that Brendan Preston, Louis-Paul Courbron and Kimpton Gagnon-Després would be receiving Commissioner's Awards for Bravery for their rescue of 7-year-old Myles Correos from the Yukon River. The awards were presented by Commissioner Geraldine Van Bibber on January 1, 2009.
On August 16, 2007, Myles Correos had fallen into the river while walking with his parents and 3 other families. The boy's mother Josie and father Benji, jumped into the river to help their son. Benji was able to keep his son's head above water but was unable to resist the river's strong undertow.
Courbron, 23, and his cousin Gagnon, 20, had been walking along the Millennium Trail when they heard screaming. The people were in shock and didn't give any information, but the two men saw a person being rapidly swept downstream, and ran along the bank to catch up before jumping into the frigid water.
They were able to get the boy to safe ground but could not locate his father, whose body was found about a week later.
Brendan Preston also saw what was going on, thought he saw a body in river, and swam out twice but was unable to find either Myles or Benji.
On February 26, 2009, Courbron and Gagnon were both also awarded the Governor General's Medal of Bravery. Benji Correos was posthumously awarded both the territorial and national awards for his valiant efforts and sacrifice.
Bruce Taylor
At the Commissioner's Tea on June 2, 2018, five members of the Dawson Patrol of Canadian Rangers were recognized by Commissioner's Awards for Bravery for responding to a skiing accident at considerable risk to themselves. The awards were presented to Bruce Taylor, Tyson Beauregard, and Kyler Mather by Commissioner Angélique Bernard, while Will Fellers and Peter Nagano were unable to attend.
On the night of November 30, 2015, Joann Vriend went out cross-country skiing, but fell over a cliff and shattered her pelvis. In an attempt to get to safety, she dragged herself across the partially frozen Klondike River, where she lay for several hours in hypothermic shock.
The five Rangers went out to look for her after friends reported her missing from what should have been a routine outing for the experienced skier. Following her tracks, they realized that she had fallen over the cliff.
Searching out the appropriate climbing gear, they went down the cliff, calling her name. When they reached the edge of the Klondike River, they saw Joann was on the other side. In the dark, with the sound of the water all around them, they crossed the river.
They gave her their clothing, and built a fire to keep her warm until more help arrived. Without their efforts, Vriend had no chance of survival.
