MONCTON – A group of Moncton firefighters are getting special recognition for their bravery during the RCMP shootings last year.
Captain Ronald McFadden was among the first responders who came to help RCMP officers on June 4.
They performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (C.P.R.) on Constable Fabrice Gevauadan in a garage for nearly two and a half hours.
“We took over CPR and the other officers left the scene to go in pursuit of the suspect,” he said.
Outside, Justin Bourque continued shooting at police officers.
“We closed the garage door for our own safety because while we were in there, we could still hear shots going off,” he said.
They continued their work until paramedics were permitted on site.
“We were in the hot zone and nobody could come in to relieve us,” he said.
Gevaudan and constables Doug Larche and Dave Ross, also died that day. Two other officers were wounded.
Last week, the RCMP recognized McFadden and his team for their efforts. They each received a Commissioners Commendation for bravery, the highest departmental award.
They joined 100 people also commended for bravery in Moncton that day.
“It’s like a double-edged sword,” he said. “It’s nice to be recognized for doing your job but it’s a terrible way to get recognized for such an event.”
On Saturday, the firefighters will receive another award from within. The New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs will present them with the Medal of Valour.
“From what I know its pretty much the highest you can receive,” Mcfadden said.
Don McCabe is the fire department’s deputy chief of operations and says his members deserve the recognition.
“It’s above and beyond their call of duty,” he said. “They did everything they could do for that period of time they were there.”
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