South Shore: Six Locals Awarded Bravery Medals In Halifax

It was a tragedy which tugged on the heart strings of the entire South Shore. Five young fishermen were killed when the lobster fishing boat "Miss Ally" capsized in rough seas on February 17. Now, four members of a dive team that searched the wreckage have been awarded the Nova Scotia Medal of Bravery.  The nomination was put forward by the Municipality of Barrington. Shelburne County divers Donnie Mahaney, Thomas Nickerson, Gary Thurber and Thomas Hennigar received their medals during a special ceremony at Province House in Halifax. Meanwhile, another native of the South Shore was awarded a bravery medal. Aiden Brunn of Martin's River was also given a medal for his heroic efforts to help in a head on crash. Brunn was the first on scene when a car collided with a pickup truck on Highway 324 at the overpass of Exit 11. The car burst into flames and Brunn helped pulled an unconscious driver out of a burning vehicle. He was later joined on the scene by Patrick May of Maplewood - who also was awarded a medal today at Province House. Premier Stephen McNeil presented the medals, with some family members of the victims in attendance. This is the sixth year for Nova Scotia's Medal of Bravery. (Photo courtesy: Communications Nova Scotia)