Barrie Residents Recognized With Red Cross Rescuer Awards
(l-r) Janine Bain, Canadian Red Cross, rescuers Derek Airlie, Ryan Airlie, Jamie Palomaki and Virginia Homer, mother of Kyle
Seven Barrie men whose quick actions saved three lives earlier this summer were presented with Red Cross Rescuer Awards on August 31.
On August 2, John Botelho, Kyle Homer, Derek Airlie, Ryan Airlie, Michael Curatolo, Chris Lachance and Jamie Palomaki were camping near Moon River Falls when they saw another group of seven men jump into the rushing water. Due to a recent heavy rainfall, the water was higher than usual and the current was especially strong. The group of seven soon found themselves struggling against the strong current.
Botelho, Homer, Derek Airlie, Ryan Airlie, Curatolo, Lachance and Palomaki heard cries for help and immediately began tying towels and clothing together to form a makeshift rope. They then used a machete to cut down a tree branch and used that and the rope to pull three of the seven men out of the water.
“These seven young men demonstrated bravery under extraordinary circumstances and we are proud to honour them with the Red Cross Rescuer Award,” said Janine Bain, program representative for the Canadian Red Cross, first aid and water safety services. “This award promotes awareness and highlights when things are done correctly. These men acted selflessly but didn’t endanger themselves.”
Palomaki says the entire incident unfolded in minutes.
“There was no time to think, we just acted,” he said. “It was chaos. We just tried to pull as many guys out as possible.”
The seven are close friends and have known each other all their lives. Derek and Ryan Airlie and Palomaki were on hand at the Red Cross branch in Barrie to accept their awards, and family members accepted on behalf of the four others, who are away at school.
The rescuers said it took awhile for the experience to sink in, but they don’t consider themselves heroes.
“He’s humbled by it, he just did what was in his heart,” said Anne Curatolo of her son Michael.
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 and/or provided comfort to the injured. To nominate someone for a Rescuer Award, or for more information, visit www.redcross.ca/firstaid.
