Two Abbotsford Police officers were among 36 people who received Decorations for Bravery on May 1 from Canada Gov. Gen. David Johnston.
Const. Jason Baskin and Const. Mark Frendo received the Medal of Bravery – one of three honours presented – for an incident that occurred in June 2008, when they rescued a suicidal man who had set fire to his house in Abbotsford.
The pair broke through the front door, made their way through the thick smoke and found the man hiding in the bathtub.
Fighting to breathe and racing against the flames, Baskin and Frendo grabbed the unconscious man and dragged him outside to safety.
The Decorations for Bravery are awarded annually to people who risk their lives to try to save someone whose life is in immediate danger.
The Cross of Valour recognizes acts of courage in circumstances of extreme peril, while the Star of Courage honours acts involving great peril.
The Medal of Bravery recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.