Two men with connections to Abbotsford have been named as recipients of the Medal of Bravery, presented by Governor General of Canada David Johnston.
Forty-two people will receive the medal during a presentation on Thursday at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, while one person will be presented with the Star of Courage.
Kevin Samuel Carras (in photo below), who is listed as being from Surrey and Abbotsford, is being recognized for an incident on July 23, 2011.
He rescued a friend who had become pinned by a log underwater during a tubing expedition on the Skagit River in Hope.
In spite of the strong current, Carras was able to free his friend and tow him to shore.
Carras received a Silver Medal for Bravery in 2012 from the Lifesaving Society of B.C. and Yukon in relation to the incident.
Justin Tak Chan, who was born in Clarenville, Newfoundland, and lived in Abbotsford, is being recognized posthumously for an act of bravery on Aug. 6, 2011.
Chan was on a fishing expedition in the Cheakamus River in Whistler with his girlfriend when she lost her footing. He jumped in to grab her, but the current was too powerful and they both perished.
Chan's father, Stephen, will accept the award.
Created in 1972, decorations for bravery recognize people who risked their lives to try to save or protect the lives of others.
The Star of Courage recognizes acts of "conspicuous courage in circumstances of great peril," and the Medal of Bravery recognizes acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.
Also awarded when applicable is the Cross of Valour, for acts of the "most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril."