3 B.C. youth receive RCMP award for stepping up to help during a tragedy

India Gerard, Chloe He and Sophia Jasemianaasl receive awards from the Ridge Meadows RCMP in this handout image.

Three young people were honoured at a special ceremony this week hosted by the Ridge Meadows RCMP for their decision to jump into action during a tragedy at a Lower Mainland lake over the summer.

The detachment, which covers Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge, praised the trio for their “courageous and selfless actions” during a drowning at Alouette Lake in Golden Ears Provincial Park on July 31.

That evening, a man reportedly fell off of a paddle board and did not resurface. The three civilians – India Gerard, Chloe He and Sophia Jasemianaasl – were also on the water at the time and immediately took action to help the victim’s family, according to police.

“The trio demonstrated attentiveness, composure, and compassion amid a time of crisis,” reads a statement from the Ridge Meadows RCMP issued Wednesday. “Their bravery and calm leadership provided reassurance to the family in a moment of chaos and served as a lifeline.”

Search and rescue and the B.C. RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Unit combed the water for the victim, and the detachment says Gerard, He and Jasemianaasl helped the dive team in their search.

The recovery effort continued into the next day and the trio returned to help, police said. The man was sadly eventually found deceased.

“The actions of these three young people exemplify the highest standards of the RCMP,” Insp. Martin Guay, officer in charge, said in the statement. “They placed the needs of others above their own, and it is individuals like them who strengthen our community and humanity as a whole.”

The three received Certificate of Appreciation awards and medals from the RCMP, which recognize the “exceptional dedication, kindness and heroism” in the community.