SUNDRE – A Mountie from the Sundre RCMP detachment was among a handful of RCMP members and civilians from across the country to recently be recognized with decorations for bravery from the Governor General of Canada.
Const. Timothy Christopher Stevens was one of a dozen officers whose acts of courage in the line of duty were deemed to exemplify unwavering dedication to protecting Canadians.
Stevens and Const. Brandon Goudey were recognized in late October by Governor General of Canada Mary Simon for their actions in the line of duty while serving in the Peace River area. Both were named recipients of the Medal of Bravery.
According to information provided by the Governor General of Canada's office, on Oct. 1, 2016 the constables had rescued a man from the Peace River.
“Using a police cruiser’s seat cushion as a flotation device, they dashed into the water but couldn’t reach him,” reads the statement.
“Running along the dyke, they re-entered the freezing water twice before finally reaching the exhausted man near the bridge and towed him back to shore.”
Among the other 11 RCMP officers who were recognized was Const. David Wynn, who was the only posthumously-awarded officer. Wynn was awarded a Medal of Bravery on March 26, 2020 but the award was invested during this latest round of recognition in October.
The decoration awarded to the late constable was presented to his son, Matthew Wynn.
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On Jan. 17, 2015 Wynn was killed by an armed suspect at a casino in St. Albert.
"During a routine licence plate check, Wynn and his partner discovered the vehicle was stolen. The suspect ran through the casino, shooting at the police in pursuit. With his partner critically wounded, Wynn tried disarming the man but was shot. He later succumbed to his injuries," reads the Governor General's description of the event.
The Star of Courage was bestowed upon Corporal Jean-Guy Christian Pascal Richard of Cochrane and David E. Fragoso of Spruce Grove, whose award was presented posthumously to his children, Mackenzie Fragoso and Dylan Scully.
On June 30, 2014, Fragoso and his family were trapped in their burning minivan following a three-vehicle collision on Highway 28 near Mallaig, Alberta which St. Paul RCMP responded to.
"Off-duty RCMP Corporal Pascal Richard tried to free them, but the doors were jammed. Ignoring the flames rapidly spreading over his own body, David grabbed a fire extinguisher and sprayed his partner and daughter. Cpl Richard and bystanders rescued the girl; sadly, neither David nor his partner survived," the governor general's description of the incident said.
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