RIDGE Meadows RCMP held a special ceremony recently to honour three young people for their courageous and selfless actions during a tragic incident that occurred this summer on our waterways.

On July 31, the RCMP responded to a report of a possible drowning at Alouette Lake. It was reported that a male fell from a paddle board into the water and did not resurface. Search and Rescue attended and conducted grid searches of the water, and the BC RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Unit was deployed and eventually located the male deceased.

Three civilians – Indiana Gerard, Chloe He, and Sophia Jasemianaasl – were out on the water at the time and took immediate action to assist the victim’s family who were in obvious distress. The RCMP said the trio demonstrated attentiveness, composure, and compassion amid a time of crisis. Their bravery and calm leadership provided reassurance to the family in a moment of chaos and served as a lifeline. In addition, the trio also assisted the Dive Team in their search for the victim and later returned to support the recovery efforts.

“The actions of these three young people exemplify the highest standards of the RCMP,” says Ridge Meadows RCMP Inspector Martin Guay. “They placed the needs of others above their own, and it is individuals like them who strengthen our community and humanity as a whole.”

Ridge Meadows RCMP say they are proud to recognize the efforts of their citizens to highlight the exceptional dedication, kindness, and heroism that exists within their community.