Heroes Honored for Life-Saving Bravery in Surrey Crash

UPDATE: Several extraordinary acts of bravery were honored in Surrey, British Columbia, on October 24, 2023, during a ceremony at Surrey Police headquarters. This event, hosted by the Royal Canadian Humane Association (RCHA), celebrated the heroic efforts of individuals who risked their lives in a series of life-threatening situations, including a dramatic highway crash.

In a gripping account, Jatinder Brar recounted his brave actions on January 11, when he witnessed a vehicle engulfed in flames on Highway 17. Brar, traveling in an Uber, sprang into action alongside five others. “I ran straight to the back seat,” Brar recalled, highlighting the urgency of the moment. He rescued a two-year-old child trapped inside the burning car, while fellow rescuer Beardmore, a dairy truck driver, helped extract the child’s mother.

“Her legs were on fire, and I patted them to put out the flames,” Beardmore said. “They were going to die if they stayed in that vehicle. The pressure was on.” Both men expressed their hope for the family’s recovery, reflecting the emotional toll that such traumatic events take on rescuers.

At the ceremony, Brar received a bronze medal for bravery, while his fellow heroes, including Tavis McCarty and Khush Maan, were also honored. Security guard Amandeep Bajwa and others received honorary testimonials for their life-saving actions.

Surrey Police Chief Norm Lipinski presented awards to the heroes, emphasizing their selflessness. He stated, “I want to commend all the recipients for their willingness to put themselves in harm’s way to help others.” The event also recognized acts of bravery from other regions, including Castlegar, Hilliers, Langley, and Kamloops, showcasing the widespread impact of heroism across British Columbia.

The awards ceremony highlighted another remarkable incident from June 11, when Surrey Police constables Jared Cebryk, Gideon Damong, and Manpreet Nijjar responded to a house fire where two vehicles were ablaze. Cebryk and Damong risked their lives to rescue an elderly woman trapped inside, with Cebryk making a second entry to search for additional occupants. For their bravery, Cebryk received a gold medal, while Damong and Nijjar were awarded silver medals.

On September 20, officers Michael Power and Jeremy Bolderson also demonstrated extraordinary courage by rescuing two paddleboarders in distress at Crescent Beach. With rising winds and currents, the officers borrowed paddleboards and lifejackets to reach the distressed individuals, ensuring their safe return to shore. Their life-saving efforts earned them honorary testimonials.

The ceremony underscored the importance of recognizing the bravery exhibited by both first responders and ordinary citizens. “I appreciate the Royal Canadian Humane Association for ensuring that these heroes receive the acknowledgment that they deserve,” Chief Lipinski added.

As public awareness grows about the crucial role of community members in emergencies, these stories serve as powerful reminders of the human spirit’s capacity for courage. The impact of these heroic actions resonates deeply, inspiring others to act in times of crisis.

Stay tuned for further updates on these heroic individuals and their ongoing journeys.