The two saved three boys who had been swept by the strong current of a creek into the rough waters of Wood Lake. They also rescued a man who tried saving the boys as well.

Governor General Julie Payette presented medals of bravery to Christopher Hay of Hastings, and Jeffrey Stewart of Douro-Dummer, for their roles in helping save two people from a fiery crash near Peterborough in July 2015.

The premier paid tribute to all three recipients during a ceremony at the legislature, saying they represented "the very best of what it means to be human."