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L to R: Constable Jake Newberry, Milly Wood, Gwyneth Newberry and Staff Sergeant Glenn Henry (Lethbridge News Now)

Local heroes recognized for acts of bravery

Dec 5, 2019 | 11:54 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A trio has been honoured for their acts of bravery years ago.

At Thursday morning’s Lethbridge County meeting, Coaldale RCMP Staff Sergeant Glenn Henry presented St. John Ambulance Life Saving Awards to Gwyneth Newberry, Milly Wood and Coaldale RCMP Constable Jake Newberry.

The recognition was made due to the trio’s involvement in a tragic incident at Park Lake on August 1, 2016. Henry said then 13-year-olds Newberry and Wood were enjoying a day at Park Lake with family when they spotted an 18-year-old man struggling in the water.

The two called for help, which initiated a rescue mission.

“That rescue involved off-duty Constable Jake Newberry, who was operating the inflatable dingy to paddle to the scene,” Henry explained.

Wood (left) and Newberry receive their awards from Staff Sergeant Glenn Henry (Lethbridge News Now)

“There was a moment of time when the victim could not be located. He was subsequently located, placed on a paddle board and taken to shore.”

Constable Newberry called 911 while he was still in the water to bring in emergency personnel to the scene. Newberry initiated CPR with some help of a bystander.

The 18-year-old man was taken to hospital in Lethbridge before being transported via air ambulance to Calgary. Unfortunately, he passed away later that night.

“The actions of two young people and Constable Newberry are being recognized here today [Thursday], for their valiant efforts to try and save a life,” Henry said while presenting the awards.

In addition to the St. John Ambulance award, Constable Newberry was also presented with the RCMP “K” Division Command Officers Award for Bravery.

Constable Newberry with Staff Sergeant Glenn Henry (Lethbridge News Now)

“It feels good to be recognized, especially with my daughter and my niece involved. It’s been a couple of years now and it definitely affected them and me, so it was definitely good to get that recognition,” Constable Newberry told Lethbridge News Now.

He offered up some advice for anyone that may see someone in distress.

“If you see somebody in distress, immediately call 911 and get the proper people rolling [in] to get assistance to the person and then do your best to make sure you can get somebody safe in a situation like that.”

Henry added that an act like this, although the victim succumbed to injuries, is proof that a community can be strong when working together.