HALIFAX - Three Nova Scotians were presented with provincial medals of bravery today, each of their stories described by the premier as a testament to selflessness, courage and sacrifice.
One of the medals was awarded posthumously to Michelle Curtis, a Cape Breton woman who rescued three children -- including one of her own -- from a powerful riptide in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, only to lose her own life.
Premier Stephen McNeil was overcome with emotion when he presented the award to Curtis's husband, Karl.
A medal was also presented to Nicole Foran, a former flight attendant from Eastern Passage who in 2009 wrestled a gun from a hijacker while a CanJet passenger aircraft was on the tarmac at a Jamaican airport.
As well, 84-year-old Jerry Spargo of Halifax received the award for pulling a disabled neighbour from her burning home in January.
The premier paid tribute to all three recipients during a ceremony at the legislature, saying they represented "the very best of what it means to be human."
