Caledon firefighters awarded medal for rescuing driver underwater near Mississauga

Two Caledon firefighters were presented with medals for bravery after rescuing a driver from a vehicle submerged underwater near Mississauga.

Caledon firefighters Jessie Di Giovanni and Jack Rooney won an Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery this week.

Nine firefighters were presented with the medals, and 15 police officers won the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery. The medals are the province’s highest honours and are awarded to police officers and firefighters who have risked their lives to save and protect the lives of others.

“The recipients of the Police and Firefighter Bravery Medals each put their own lives at risk when others were in danger,” said Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “Their tireless vigilance, and their remarkable selflessness and courage, make them an inspiration to their colleagues and to the community members they help to keep safe.”

The Caledon firefighters were honoured for their efforts during an accident in August of 2024.

Di Giovanni and Rooney were driving on Highway 410 near Mississauga when they spotted a vehicle overturned in a flooded trench on Aug. 17, Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General said in a press release.

“Bystanders were calling for help, saying someone was trapped inside,” the Solicitor General said. “Without hesitation, Di Giovanni and Rooney entered the murky water and inspected the submerged car.”

Rooney found the unconscious driver underwater, but unfortunately, the victim was stuck.

“Di Giovanni dove back into the water, unbuckled the seatbelt and adjusted the seat,” the Solicitor General said.

With help from an arriving OPP officer, they shifted the vehicle enough for Di Giovanni to free the driver.

“Di Giovanni and Rooney acted swiftly and selflessly in a life-threatening situation.”

The 23-year-old male driver from Brampton was transported to hospital in critical condition, the OPP said at the time. The man later died in hospital, the OPP told news outlets.

The Ontario Medal for Firefighter Bravery and the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery were created in 1976 and 1975, respectively.

Nominations are made by fire departments or police services and endorsed by the applicable fire chief, chief of police or the commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.

Medal recipients are determined by an independent body of citizens from the firefighting and policing communities representing all regions of Ontario.

“Ontario’s firefighters and police officers never hesitate to put themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Those we are honouring today have demonstrated great courage in risking their lives to save others. They went above and beyond the call of duty, and their actions play a vital role in protecting Ontario. I thank them for their dedication and extraordinary heroism.”