A New Brunswick teenager has been honoured by the Governor General of Canada for his heroic actions.
Joey LeBlanc was driving home with his mother around 9 p.m. on Feb. 2, 2013 when he came upon a car engulfed in flames on the side of the road in Cocagne, N.B.
Several passersby had stopped to watch the blaze, but when LeBlanc realized there was still a person inside, he headed towards the burning car.
“Joey went to pull her out of the car because she couldn’t get out, the doors were jammed, so he pulled her out of a burning car, which is amazing for a young guy his age,” said Cocagne Fire Chief Danny Desroches.
Desroches was on scene that night. He said when firefighters arrived about 10 people were watching the car burn while LeBlanc tried to help the driver.
“I was rushing, going back and forth to the vehicle, thinking that I needed to help her,” said LeBlanc, who was just 16 at the time.
In honour of his heroic actions, LeBlanc was presented with the Governor General Medal of Bravery in the nation’s capital on Tuesday.
LeBlanc said he was just doing what he thought was right and the significance of the award hasn’t sunk in yet.
“A little bit yes, I’m not used to people calling me a hero or anything.”
Despres said she isn’t convinced her son fully understands the gravity of receiving such a prestigious award.
“I was in tears for sure and very proud,” said Despres. “Very, very proud.”
While it may take a bit of reflection to fully comprehend what the medal means, LeBlanc said it felt good when he was called to the stage to receive it.
“It felt really great that the Governor General gave me that award himself.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's David Bell
