Burnaby fire captain receives rare honour
Posted November 2, 2019 5:40 pm.
Last Updated November 2, 2019 5:51 pm.
BURNABY (NEWS 1130) — A Burnaby firefighter has been awarded the British Columbia Firefighter Medal of Bravery for saving a man’s life in a house fire last year.
Captain Wade Robertson, a 22-year-veteran of the force, earned the honour for his life-saving efforts on March 30, 2018.
When crews arrived at the house, no one was inside. Then, Robertson saw a resident running back into the raging blaze. He followed him “without hesitation”
“Battling through smoke and flames, Robertson found the resident hanging onto an interior railing. Despite the intense heat and smoke, Robertson pried the resident’s hands from the railing and carried him out to safety,” says a statement from the province.
Robertson was treated in hospital for minor burns and smoke inhalation.
“I’m very pleased that this Medal of Bravery has been awarded to Captain Robertson,” says Jay Brownlee, acting B.C. fire commissioner. “His actions demonstrate his dedication to duty in protecting the residents of Burnaby. Captain Robertson’s concern for the safety of this man, even at great risk to himself, is an example of what is best in the work our firefighters do.”
Only three other firefighters have received this award in the last decade.
