Caledon Fire and Emergency Services Staff Recognition and Awards 2024

In January 2024 at 9:30 a.m. Captain Lee-Ann Lawrence was driving along Charleston Sideroad between Mountainview and St. Andrews when she noticed a vehicle off the road in a field. She stopped to investigate the situation further because, "something just didn’t seem right". 

When she approached the vehicle, she found two elderly individuals in the car. She immediately phoned 9-1-1 for assistance and Caledon Fire arrived on scene to assist with patient care, as both were suffering from hypothermia. It was subsequently learned that York regional police had issued a missing persons bulletin for the two elderly people the day prior. 

Firefighters Jack Rooney and Jesse DiGiovanni - Off Duty Award

On August 17, 2024, while driving southbound on the 410, Jack and Jesse noticed multiple vehicles pulled over on the shoulder and a group of pedestrians overlooking the concrete barrier. They discovered a crashed vehicle in a trench filled with approximately 6 feet of murky water due to rapid flooding.

Upon realizing that there were pedestrians in the water yelling for help, Jesse and Jack immediately understood the urgency of the situation. They hopped over the concrete barrier and made their way through the water to the car. Jack climbed into the flipped vehicle from the passenger side, which was facing upward. Despite the murkiness of the water obscuring visibility, Jack bravely went underwater to search for the victim. He managed to locate the driver, who was completely submerged and stuck in the driver’s seat. However, his initial attempts to pull the victim out were unsuccessful.

Jesse then entered the vehicle and made his own attempt to rescue the victim. After unbuckling the victim’s seatbelt and adjusting the seat back, Jesse was still unable to free the driver. At this critical moment, the first OPP officer arrived on the scene. Together, they pushed the vehicle just enough for Jesse to pull the victim free, discovering the driver’s leg had been trapped under the car. 

Jesse and the OPP officer brought the victim to the side of the concrete barrier, where Jesse initiated CPR. The victim was transferred to EMS but unfortunately the young man unfortunately passed away.

This harrowing event underscores the remarkable courage and quick action taken by Jesse and Jack despite the serious dangers they faced. Their heroic efforts gave the victim a fighting chance that he otherwise would not have had.

A/DC Dan VanAmelsvoort - Off Duty Award

We recognize Dan's incredible actions at the Brampton Flying Club, where his quick thinking saved the life of a young man. 

On April 15, 2024, a young student suddenly collapsed during a flight class. Fellow students called for Dan, who found the student in vital signs absent condition. Dan immediately took charge, administered CPR and used the on-site defibrillator, reviving the young man before EMS arrived on the scene. 

Thanks to Dan’s exceptional response and presence of mind, the young man was brought back to life. In a heartwarming moment, the man later returned to the Brampton Flying Club with his family to personally thank Dan for his life-saving actions.  

Captains Steve Morton and Karl Gadde, and Firefighters Valerie Costales, Matthew Morton, and Shannon Barter - Valour in Rescue Award 

The Valour in Rescue Award honours firefighters who display extraordinary courage and bravery during rescue operations. This award recognizes those who put themselves at significant risk to save lives and protect other in perilous situations. 

On April 22, 2024, at 7:59 AM, Caledon Fire Station 303 was dispatched to a house fire at 17188 Airport Road.

Upon Steve, Valerie, Matthew and Shannon's arrival, it was reported that the fire was located in the basement and there was an immobile bariatric patient in a hospital bed on the upper floor. Inside, the home was filled with moderate smoke conditions. Moving quickly, the crew ascended to the second floor, conducting rapid searches of bedrooms along a long hallway leading to the larger bedroom where the patient was located. 

The patient was found lying in bed, struggling to breathe and speak with black soot around their airways. Firefighters Costales and Morton immediately checked her for injuries and reassured her that they would safely remove her from the hazardous environment.

While the firefighters attended to the patient, Captain Morton identified sliding doors leading to a second-floor balcony. The decision was made to use a rescue drag to move the patient to the exterior balcony. Firefighters Costales and Morton, with Captain Gadde (who had arrived shortly after), carefully moved the patient outside to the balcony, ensuring she was safe from the smoke-filled interior. 

Once on the balcony, it was evident that removing the patient from this location posed a challenge. However, with the fire being extinguished inside, the team reassured the patient and performed a medical assessment to ensure they were stable. After the fire was brought under control, the crew re-entered the home, navigated down the hallway and stairs, and exited safely.

Firefighters Costales and Morton demonstrated exceptional bravery, quick thinking, and compassion throughout the rescue, prioritizing the patient’s health, safety, and dignity. Captain Gadde’s timely arrival significantly expedited the rescue operation. In a volunteer response environment, this level of coordination and dedication is truly commendable.