By Fraser Valley Today staff

Governor General

Bravery medals to be awarded to a pair who pulled a family to safety near Hope

Mar 24, 2026 | 8:22 AM

HOPE — Governor General Mary Simon will present 31 Decorations for Bravery on Thursday at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Two of the recipients are being recognized for their bravery in connection with an incident near Hope in November 2021.

Sergeant Makenzie Lee of Kamloops and off-duty nurse Laura Ronson of North Vancouver helped to rescue a family from a mudslide during the torrential atmospheric river event that closed the Coquihalla Highway for weeks.

According to the Governor General’s office, Ronson descended a dangerous slope to help a family that was trapped in an overturned minivan. Sergeant Lee established a support rope and assisted with the rescue from the top of the hill. Together, they were able to lift the family to safety, including a 14-year-old boy who was injured and unconscious.

To recognize their efforts, they’ll be awarded a medal of Bravery.

Queen Elizabeth II established a series of medals recognizing courageous acts in 1972. Over the last 50 years, Canadian Governor Generals have awarded Decorations of Bravery to worthy recipients. Nearly 4,000 recipients, from Canada and abroad, have been recognized for their acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances, including potential drownings, vehicle accidents, animal attacks and burning buildings.

Targeted shooting

One dead in Abbotsford shooting

49m ago

Information sought

Mission RCMP seeking help to locate wanted man

1h ago

Healthcare

FV Health Care Foundation announces major donation

1h ago