22 Calgarians Honoured for Heroic Acts — From Pulling People From Burning Cars to Saving a Drowning Man
Each year, the Calgary Fire Department celebrates everyday residents who step up when lives are on the line. In its annual Beyond the Call Awards, 22 Calgarians were recognized for courageous, selfless actions—ranging from rescuing people from burning buildings to performing CPR during cardiac emergencies.
This story is based on reporting from CBC News.
👉 Original article:
One of this year’s honourees is 55-year-old Margaret Bell, whose quick thinking and bravery saved a drowning man in the Glenmore Reservoir.
A Morning Walk Turns Into a Life-Saving Mission
On August 1, 2017, Bell was walking along the Glenmore Reservoir near the Calgary Canoe Club when she noticed a paddle boat drifting in the water—something she found unusual. As she moved closer, she spotted what she initially thought was a beaver bobbing on the surface.
Within seconds, she realized it wasn’t an animal—it was a man struggling to stay afloat.
“I just knew that this person needed help. They were splashing in the water, trying to stay above water,” Bell told CBC.
Recognizing the urgency, she ran down the ridge and stairs, jumped into the cold reservoir, and swam toward him, yelling to keep him responsive. Thinking quickly, Bell used her fleece sweater as a makeshift tow line and pulled the freezing, exhausted man to shore.
Once they reached land, she lifted the man—who was at least six feet tall—onto a rock because he was too weak to stand. A passing cyclist called 911, and emergency crews soon arrived. The man survived.
Fire Department spokesperson Carol Henke later said:
“She made a split-second decision to help. She knew her skills and abilities and she did the right thing. She made the difference in this young man’s life.”
Bell received a commendation award for her actions and said the recognition left her humbled.
What Are the Beyond the Call Awards?
The Beyond the Call Awards honour citizens who:
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Intervene in life-threatening emergencies
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Perform CPR or use an AED
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Prevent fires and property damage
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Save people—and sometimes animals—from dangerous situations
These awards highlight how bystanders can make a lifesaving difference before emergency responders arrive.
Other Honourees Recognized for Their Bravery
Here are some of the remarkable acts recognized that year:
Appreciation Awards
(Significant efforts to assist during emergencies)
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Brandon Luc & Shawna Englund – Checked on a friend in crisis, called 911, and performed CPR.
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Dustin Hanson – Saved a dog from drowning in Elliston Pond.
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Sheldon Burton & Kimberley Dueck – Performed CPR on a woman in cardiac arrest.
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Kim Fisher – Alerted 911 and helped residents evacuate a burning building.
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Cory Janes – Controlled a house fire using two fire extinguishers through a kitchen window.
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Melissa Paquette – Was the only bystander to assist a collapsed man at a CTrain station; her CPR helped save his life.
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Danni Kerr & Shaun Marcia – Retrieved an AED and performed CPR on a woman who collapsed on a tennis court.
Commendation Awards
(Actions involving life-saving intervention or personal risk)
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Sebastian Porter (off-duty firefighter) – Prevented a car fire at a crash scene and coordinated bystanders.
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Marc Chartier, Sara Hein & Dan Woodland – Rescued an elderly woman from a house fire.
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Junta Goyeche – Pulled an angler from the Bow River and performed CPR for 30 minutes.
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Todd Nabozniak – Prevented an engine fire and climbed into a crushed vehicle to help a trapped driver.
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Mackenzie Martineau & Kaden Clouston – Fought a building fire and evacuated occupants; Martineau lowered someone from the second floor before jumping to safety himself.
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Mike Gutierrez – Extinguished a dangerous fire at a gas station.
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Chelsea Krpan – Rescued a teen who jumped from a bridge into the Bow River.
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Raymond Fang – Pulled a woman from a burning car on Glenmore Trail and assisted two injured occupants.
These stories show that ordinary people, equipped with the right instincts—and in many cases, lifesaving training—can make extraordinary differences.
Why CPR and First Aid Training Matter
Many of the heroes recognized this year acted before emergency responders could arrive. Several performed CPR, used an AED, or made split-second decisions that prevented further harm.
Learning these skills empowers anyone to step forward confidently in an emergency.
If you want to be prepared to help in a crisis, consider taking a certified CPR course in Calgary.
👉 Learn more here: https://firstaidcalgary.ca/cpr-courses/
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