First Responders receive Decorations for Bravery

Parkland County Firefighter Jordan Burrows and Peace Officer Travis Henrikson, along with RCMP Officer Mark Friesen, have received Decorations for Bravery for their life-saving response during an intense emergency.

Rewind to April 6, 2019, where the First Responders rescued a woman from her burning vehicle following a head-on collision. Burrows was the first to arrive on scene and managed to safely remove the driver of the first vehicle with the help of bystanders.

It was then that he realized a woman was trapped inside the flaming second vehicle. He attempted to quell the flames with a fire extinguisher but was unsuccessful. With Henrikson and Friesen now on scene, the three rescuers opened the back door of the vehicle and struggled to remove the victim before cutting through her seat belt with a knife. Burrows grabbed the victim underneath the arms, Henrikson grabbed her torso and Friesen held her legs as they pulled her out through the window. Just moments later, the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. They safely carried the woman to the highway median before emergency services arrived.

“These officers responded with fast-action and courage, and together they saved a life in an unimaginable situation,” said Geoff Heritage, Director of Enforcement Services at Parkland County. “I am beyond proud of these officers and grateful for the recognition they’ve received for their bravery and commitment to keeping our community safe.”

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, presented 34 Decorations for Bravery during a ceremony at the Citadelle of Quebec on September 19, 2023. The Decorations for Bravery are among Canada’s most respected and prestigious civilian honours.

Peace Officer Travis Henrikson with Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.