Bernice Jingling was walking her great-granddaughter to school, when she made a split-second decision that saved the life of the six-year-old girl and that ultimately cost the senior her own life.
Bernice noticed an SUV coming at them as they crossed an intersection. She also noticed the driver had not seen them and the vehicle was not stopping.
At that moment, on that April 7, 2011 morning, Bernice pushed her great-granddaughter Tiara to the side and while both of them were struck by the SUV, Tiara was spared the full impact of the rushing vehicle. Bernice wasn't so fortunate and succumbed to her injuries.
“She was really kind. She hated when I got in trouble so she said ‘just blame it all on me,’” said the tearful young girl to Metro News, after she accepted a silver-medal on her great-grandmother's behalf.
Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk witnessed the incident and, along with another bystander, attempted to stabilize Bernice Jingling. He was also honoured for his efforts and presence of mind.
“In my opinion, I haven’t done anything that any one of you wouldn’t have done. The real hero in all of this was Ms. Jingling," said Lukaszuk to Global News.
Among the recipients was Adam Shaw, who along with his dog Rocky, rescued two young sisters from an icy North Saskatchewan river which they had fallen into on March 31.
He was among 23 people who were recognized at the ceremony, including Jordan Wilson who saved his co-worker's life by pushing her out of the harm's way as a pickup truck hurdled towards them. The two were working on the side of a highway near Beiseker, Alta. during the time of the incident. His co-worker Shelby Wiens was airlifted to hospital and survived, while Wilson did not.
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