Metis youth save three men

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The Alberta Life Saving Award will be presented to two Edmonton-area Metis youth for pulling three semi-conscious men from their burning truck seconds before it exploded in flames early last week.

Joey Morin, 20 and Eugene McLean, 19, have also been nominated for a national award.

They will be honored for their heroism during the annual St. John Ambulance Service awards banquet held at the Mayfield Golf and Country Club Oct. 20.

The rescued men, sleeping in a truck parked outside the Oliver Community League hall after a wedding party Oct. 15, were yanked from the vehicle by the Metis duo moments before it became engulfed in flames.

"We only did what anyone else would have done," Morin said.

While looking for a friend's home, Morin and McLean spotted flames coming from the back end of a truck.

they went to investigate. They realized there was someone in the cab when they saw a jacket sleeve through the smoke-filled cab window.

Acting on instinct they opened the door and pulled the men to safety.

"Their actions saved three lives and I will recommend they receive citations for bravery," said Edmonton Fire Captain Rollie Henderson.

Morin and McLean, who are originally from Calling Lake, are the first Metis to receive the prestigious provincial citation since 1960.

The St. John Ambulance Service has also submitted their names for the national life saving award.