OFFICIAL STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Middlesex County Warden’s Statement on the Paramedics honoured with the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery
MIDDLESEX COUNTY: On May 28, 2024, Warden Aina DeViet issued the following statement regarding the Ontario government honouring paramedics from across the province with the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery. The medal recognizes and applauds the bravery of paramedics who risk their lives in service of others. The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and the Honourable Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, presented medals to 11 paramedics, one of whom, David Jeffries, is a paramedic from the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service (MLPS).
On August 14, 2019, Paramedic David Jeffries and his partner responded to a call after a vehicle crashed into a home. At the scene, a damaged gas line quickly ignited causing a massive explosion, destroying several homes, and injuring almost everyone present. Despite the fiery, debris-filled scene, Paramedic Jeffries stayed cool under pressure to triage, treat, and transport the police and fire personnel injured from the blast. As a result of their heroic actions, all six first responders and one civilian received medical attention for their injuries and survived.
Middlesex County Warden, Aina DeViet, expressed words of admiration and gratitude to all of the paramedics honoured, especially to Jeffries, for their bravery and dedicated service.
“I’m incredibly proud to share some wonderful news today. The Ontario government has honoured paramedics from across the province with the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery. This special medal recognizes the extraordinary bravery and dedication of our paramedics, who put their lives on the line every day to help others.
I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the paramedics who received this prestigious award. Your courage and commitment to serving our communities are truly inspiring. The stories of bravery we're celebrating today are a testament to their heroic actions. I would like to especially congratulate Paramedic David Jeffries of the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, your work not only saves lives but also brings hope to those in their darkest moments.
On behalf of Middlesex County, I want to express our deepest gratitude to all the recipients of the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery and all our paramedics across the province. You are our heroes, and we are so grateful for everything you do.”
You can learn more about paramedics honoured with the Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery at https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1004641/ontario-honours-outstanding-bravery-of-paramedics
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Middlesex County Media Relations Legislative Services Division @email