The Town of The Blue Mountains has honoured local teen Paige Cornell for her heroic efforts to save two lives.
Mayor Andrea Matrosovs, Collingwood and Blue Mountains OPP Detachment Commander Loris Licharson and local police services board chair Jim Oliver presented 17-year-old Cornell with a special certificate of honour at council’s meeting on Dec. 18.
Licharson said two years ago, when working as camp counsellor at a local day camp, Cornell helped rescue two five-year old girls who had fallen into the Beaver River in Clarksburg. Cornell entered the water and was able to pull both girls to safety.
The water in the river that day was fast moving and both girls were in danger of being swept upriver.
“She jumped in and saved both of them,” said Licharson. “There is no doubt in my mind, she saved two lives that day.”
In October, Cornell received the OPP Commissioner’s Citation for Bravery at a special ceremony in Orillia.
Matrosovs thanked Cornell for her “quick and agile thinking.”
“You put others before yourself. We’re so very proud,” she said.
A large group of Cornell’s family and friends gathered in the council chambers for the special presentation.
“Thank you for this recognition. I’m just happy I was there and able to help,” Cornell said after the ceremony.
