June 6, 2013
St. John’s, NL – The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today extended sincere congratulations to six Canadian Coast Guard employees who have received St. John Ambulance awards and commendations. The Honourable Frank Fagan, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, made the presentations at a special ceremony in St. John’s, where all six employees are stationed.
“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to these fine members of the Canadian Coast Guard,” said Minister Ashfield. “Through their actions, these everyday heroes have come to the aid of those in need, both on and off the water. Their attention, abilities and sense of duty perfectly exemplify the values of the Canadian Coast Guard.”
Life Saving Awards were presented to Mr. Braden Caitlin and Mr. Dieter Gibbons. Mr. Caitlin, a 19-year-old crewman with the Inshore Rescue Boat Program in Bonavista Bay, provided first aid to a traffic accident victim in Gatineau, Quebec in December, 2012. Mr. Dieter Gibbons, a Leading Seaman who is also a trained rescue specialist, provided care to a severely injured hockey player in Centreville, Newfoundland on February 3, 2013.
St. John’s Ambulance Certificates of Commendation were also awarded to Mr. Michael O’Brien, Mr. Derek Pearce, Mr. James Webber and Mr. Nathan Whiffen, all of whom, in addition to performing their regular ship duties, are trained as Canadian Coast Guard rescue specialists. In April 2012, while working on the Canadian Coast Guard Ship George R. Pearkes, these four men provided medical assistance to a fellow crew member who fell 15 feet off a stairwell to the deck below, striking his head and losing consciousness.
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