Photo Gallery: Bermuda Bravery Awards
Last night [Mar.2] Governor Sir Richard Gozney honoured 11 residents for deeds of heroism at the Bermuda Bravery Awards ceremony held at Government House. The recipients were Shawn Patrick Woolridge (deceased), Cindy Pace, Jaqueena Harvey, Harry Patchett, Carly Lima, Sgt. Keith Senior, George Rodrigues, Garon Dowling, Unray Waldron, George Dowling Jr. and Kyle Smith.
In addition to a dangerous rescue from an exploding boat tied up at an East End marina, this year’s list features other dramatic feats including; the rescue of a woman, pulled from a car that had plunged overboard, a teenager who saved a female bus driver who was choking, a woman who rescued a man being savaged by a pit-bull, and a jet ski tour guide who pulled an unresponsive swimmer to shore.
The 11 recipients received a cedar-framed certificate from the Governor, listing their feat of heroism.Their names were submitted by the public and emergency organizations and were judged by a cross-section of Bermudians who comprise the Bermuda Bravery Awards Association.
One of the recipients, Shawn Woolridge, jumped into Flatts inlet to save a woman trapped in her car and pulled her through the window of her sinking vehicle. The Bermuda Sun ran a report in yesterday’s newspaper saying Mr Woolridge is believed to be the first person to receive a posthumous award. The 38-year-old died in March of last year from a heart condition, and his uncle, Rodney Woolridge accepted the bravery award in his honour. Mr Woolridge wore a photo of his nephew on his jacket.
Jaqueena Harvey was honoured last night, as at 14 years old while traveling on a bus responded to assist the bus driver Kathy Landy who was choking after having mint lodged in her throat.
Since its re-birth 15 years ago, the Bermuda Bravery Award Association has recognized more than 200 individuals for bravery or life-saving. Association chairman Mark Selley pointed out that his committee is not empowered to nominate names for heroism and that under the constitution of the Bermuda Bravery Award Association, all names must be submitted by members of the public. The Bermuda Bravery Awards Association was re-formed in 1995 after lying dormant for a number of years. Its mission is to establish a more positive and caring approach to recognizing those who go above and beyond the call of duty in helping others during life-threatening situations.
Photos by Only the Best, click to enlarge:
[Video footage to come later today]
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Everyday people like you and I who just by their upbringing and love for others, step in or jump in to help save or assist another human being without a second thought.
True hero’s and we should be proud of them. Their reactions had nothing to do with looking for attention or praise. They just did it and the awards are just and deserved.
Congratulations to all of them especially to Mr.Shawn Woolridge whom I think gave his life for someone else. His family can rest assured that he is swimming with angels.
A great day too all.