DAWSON CITY – One of the features of the annual Commissioner’s Tea is the presentation of various Commissioner’s Awards.

These may be presented for Public Volunteer Service, Bravery, and Outstanding Youth Achievement. The second of these is less common than the others.

At this year’s tea, held Saturday, five bravery awards were presented to members of the Dawson Patrol of the Canadian Rangers.

Their actions had been recognized at an earlier event in Whitehorse but, since this is a Dawson story, it was decided to give out the final awards here,

Emcee Gabriela Sgaga introduced the presentation:

“This is a story that’s very near and dear to those of us from Dawson City. I remember this event as well.

“For the past 30 years the Commissioner’s Award for Bravery has recognized individuals who have responded with an effort, at a considerable personal risk, in hazardous circumstances, to save and safeguard the life of one of the more persons,” Sgaga said.

Bruce Taylor, Kyler Mather, Peter Nagano, Tyson Beauregard and Will Fellers received the Commissioner’s Award for Bravery.

On the night of November 30, 2015, Sgaga said, “Joann Vriend had a terrible accident during a routine cross-country ski. She had fallen down a cliff and shattered her pelvis.

“In an attempt to get to safety, she dragged herself across the partially frozen Klondike River, where she lay for several hours in hypothermic shock.”

The five Dawson City Rangers saved Vriend’s life.

They went out to look for her after friends reported her missing from what should have been a routine outing for the experienced skier.

“Following her tracks, the Rangers realized that she had fallen over the cliff,” Sgaga told the audience.

“Searching out the appropriate climbing gear, they went down the cliff, calling her name.

“When they reached the edge of the Klondike River, they saw Joann was on the other side. In the dark, with the sound of the water all around them, they crossed the river.

“They gave her their clothing,” Sgaga continued.

“They built a fire to keep her warm until more help arrived. Now Bruce, Kyler, Peter, Tyson and Will all responded with great effort, and at personal risk to them, to save the life of another person, and for this reason, they will receive the Commissioner’s Award for Bravery.”

Commissioner Angélique Bernard presented the certificates and pins to the three Rangers who were present: Taylor, Mather and Beauregard.

Nagano and Fellers were unable to attend the ceremony.

See more on the Commissioner’s Tea in Tuesday’s Star