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Two graduates from Algonquin College’s Paramedic program have received the inaugural Ontario Medal for Paramedic Bravery, which recognizes and honours exceptional courage in the line of duty.

Kimberley Fitzsimmons, a primary care paramedic with the Frontenac Paramedic Services, received the award in honour of her actions on Aug. 2, 2022. The off-duty Fitzsimmons had just finished a swim in Lake Ontario when she noticed another swimmer struggling to stay afloat. When the man sank beneath the water, Fitzsimmons dove 15 feet to rescue him from the bottom of the lake. She brought him back to shore and gave the man life-saving CPR, continuing to do so until help arrived.

Ottawa paramedic Maciej Wisniewski was honoured for his efforts following a plane crash near Carp Airport on Sept. 4, 2021. He was called to the scene after a passenger plane carrying two people crashed in a field after hitting a hydro pole. Alongside his partner and with the help of bystanders, Wisniewski worked to overturn the downed plane and free the trapped occupants, who were fuel-soaked and suffering extensive injuries. The rescued passengers were then sent to hospital to be treated for their injuries.

In both scenarios, the pivotal and timely efforts of Algonquin College graduates prevented terrible tragedies. The actions of Fitzsimmons and Wisniewski serve as a testament to both the rigorous and high-calibre training found in the AC Paramedic program and to the overall quality of Algonquin College. We are incredibly proud of these brave graduates and the courageous work being done by all AC alumni who work to preserve and strengthen public safety.

Algonquin College is pleased to recognize five of its alumni who were recently named to the Ottawa Business Journal’s prestigious 40 Under 40 List.

“Each of our recipients has shown tremendous professional and personal leadership abilities and strong commitment to our local community. Our objective is to support the growth of these local leaders who are helping to build a greener, healthier, happier, wealthier and more prosperous Canada from here in our nation’s capital,” wrote the publication.

Alumni included this year were:

Derick Cotnam

Culinary Management 2007

Owner, My Catering Group

Dave Hale

Business – Marketing 2010

CEO, Craft&Crew Corp.

Nitin K. Mehra

Culinary Management 2005

Executive Chef & COO, East India Company Restaurants

Kelly A. Rusk

Public Relations 2006

General Arts and Science – One Year 2004

President, Kelly Rusk Consulting Inc.

Adam D. Van Cleeff

Business Administration – Marketing 2008

VP Customer Success, Fullscript

Congratulations to this year’s recipients.

For the second year in a row, Pembroke librarian Patti Kim challenged herself by running the most famous marathon in the world, but this time her participation in the Boston Marathon was a more emotional experience. It was the tenth anniversary of the marathon terrorist attacks that killed three people and seriously injured dozens more.

As Kim crossed the finish line where the bombings had occurred in 2013, she read the #BostonStrong sign and thought of the victims. After the race, she reflected on that experience.

“On the 10th anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings, I thought of the victims when I saw the iconic blue and yellow message of ‘BOSTON STRONG’ under the Bowker Overpass with less than a mile to go. For my race, it reminded me that I could put aside the fatigue and pain to finish with my fastest kilometer out of the 42.2 for the marathon distance. I tried to give the heart symbol on course to let the people of Boston know that we were running for them in 2023. We could collectively demonstrate courage, strength, resilience, and determination. We can do this through something so simple as a love of running and coming together to celebrate that joy. The Boston Marathon is special because of the human stories while the course is like a very tough victory lap. I’m grateful for the incredible support from my family, friends, and AC colleagues. 4:13:36 finish time on April 17, 2023. We did it together!”