left to right - Canadian Red Cross first aid master instructor trainer, Kris Tucker, hands out Rescuer Awards to Alex Myros, McCartney Sealey and Nick Romain of the London Silverbacks on August 22.

Alex Myros, McCartney Sealey and Nick Romain received Rescuer Awards during halftime of the team’s home game at TD Waterhouse Stadium at the University of Western Ontario. They were surrounded by family, friends and fans while accepting the award during a brief but emotional presentation.

“Nick, McCartney and Alex are heroes. Their selfless acts saved the lives of two people and we are proud to honour them with the Canadian Red Cross Rescuer Award,” said Kris Tucker, a Red Cross first aid master instructor trainer, who presented the award to the players.

On June 21, the Silverbacks, an affiliate of the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League, were travelling on a bus from Indiana following an away game. A SUV heading southbound blew a tire, lost control and collided head-on with the bus, causing the SUV to burst into flames.

Sealey escaped through a window and ran to the burning vehicle. He was able to pull a 16-year-old girl from the wreckage. Myros ran over to help and pulled the girl further away to safety. Romain got out on to the bus’ roof by way of an escape hatch. Hearing the girl’s screams for her brother, he ran to the SUV and pulled a 12-year-old boy out of the car. Unfortunately, the children’s mother, who was also in the vehicle, did not survive the crash.

“We are really proud of those three guys,” said Beverly Grybas, general manager for the Silverbacks. “If it wasn’t for them, those kids wouldn’t have made it.”

The Red Cross Rescuer Award is presented to non-professional or off-duty first responders who have volunteered to save a life, prevented further injury or provided comfort to the injured.

To nominate somebody for a Rescuer Award or for more information, click here.