Gemma Crullo (left) and Braeden Berston (right) received the Silver Medal for Bravery at the Commonwealth Honour and Rescue Awards Saturday, March 28, in Vancouver. (Image Credit: Supplied by the Lifesaving Society BC & Yukon Branch)

By Fraser Valley Today staff

Silver Medal

Rescuers honoured for saving fisherman from Chilliwack River drowning

Mar 31, 2026 | 9:00 AM

CHILLIWACK — Two people who teamed up to save a fisherman from drowning in the Chilliwack River last fall have been honoured by the Lifesaving Society BC and Yukon Branch.

Braeden Berston and Gemma Cerullo received the Silver Medal for Bravery during the organization’s 114th Annual Commonwealth Honour and Rescue Awards on Saturday (March 28) in Vancouver.

Berston and Cerullo were recognized for their actions on October 22, 2025, at Allison Pool near Chilliwack, a popular fishing spot along the Chilliwack River.

Cerullo and a friend had been fishing when they noticed a man standing in thigh-deep fast-moving water. The fisherman appeared uneasy in his hip waders. Moments later, bystanders shouted that the man was in trouble as his waders filled with water, weighing him down and putting him at risk of drowning.

Cerullo ran along the riverbank in an attempt to reach him but was unable to extend far enough from shore. Berston arrived at the scene and joined her.

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The pair formed a human chain, linking hands to reach the struggling fisherman and pull him to safety. The man escaped the incident cold and wet but with his life.

The Lifesaving Society said the two demonstrated teamwork and swift action in a critical moment.

The ceremony brought together about 200 guests, including 14 elected officials from municipal, provincial, federal and Indigenous governments. Awards recognized individuals who acted quickly in water-related emergencies across British Columbia and Yukon.