Two Nova Scotians honoured with Carnegie Medal for Heroism after saving child from dog

Trisha and Alex Munroe of Windsor Junction, N.S., are two of four Canadians honoured in the Hero Fund’s second award announcement for 2025. (Source: Carnegie Hero Fund)

Two Nova Scotians are among the 17 people being recognized by the Carnegie Hero Fund.

The Carnegie Medal for Heroism is North America’s highest honor for civilian heroism and is given to people who risked serious injury or death, or who were killed, saving or attempting to save others.

Trisha and Alex Munroe of Windsor Junction, N.S., are two of four Canadians honoured in the Hero Fund’s second award announcement for 2025.

Trisha’s eight-year-old son Will Munroe was outside playing in the snow at a cul-de-sac near their Windsor Junction home on March 6, 2023, when an adult male German shepherd approached him, according to a news release from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.

“The dog ultimately bit Will’s arm and thrashed him back and forth on the ground. Will’s brother sought help and alerted their mother, elementary school teacher Trisha Munroe, 42, who left the house barefoot and in pajamas,” reads the release.

Trisha arrived on scene to find Will on the ground with the dog biting one of his arms. She sat on the dog and put her hands in its mouth to get it to release the arm.

Trisha’s oldest son Alex had followed his mother to the scene and saw her struggling to control the dog.

“Alex entered the street and punched the dog on the head, which caused it to release Will and allowed him to move to safety in his driveway,” reads the release.

“The dog then bit Munroe’s right arm below the elbow as she remained seated on its back. Alex continued to punch the dog’s head, switching from a closed fist to a hammer fist, until it let go of Munroe’s right arm and then bit her left arm.”

Alex continued to punch the dog until it released his mother’s other arm.

The owner of the dog showed up and took the dog home.

Will was taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries to his head and arm. His mother was also taken to hospital to be treated for the bites to her arms and hand.

Including the 17 new honourees, the Carnegie Medal has been awarded to 10,510 people since its inception in 1904. The Carnegie Hero Fund was established by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

The other two Canadians on the list are Aidan James Loughlin and Justin Baird of St. Catharines, Ont.

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