Marc Lake with President Daniel Gibbs at the Bastille Day ceremony outside Hotel de La Collectivité. (Robert Luckock photo)
MARIGOT–Stéphane Marc Lake from French Quarter was presented with the Collectivité’s Medal of Honour and a Diplôme d’Honneur by President Daniel Gibbs for his heroics during Hurricane Irma, at the close of the official Bastille Day ceremonies on Sunday.
It was a long-overdue recognition for the young volunteer firefighter whose brave and instinctive actions saved many lives in the Round the Pond area of French Quarter during the night and morning of September 6, 2017, when the storm surge pushed the pond into the street. In water well over head-high, with snorkel and mask he swam back and forth across the street, leading people to safety across rooftops.
The father of three had been a volunteer fireman since 2013 but had also followed specialised courses in life-saving and emergency situations in Guadeloupe, Gibbs disclosed.
“Your human and professional qualities are the reason you are receiving this distinction today,” Gibbs said. “At 3:00am that morning of the hurricane you braved the elements in darkness to save 11 neighbours in the Round the Pond area. After the hurricane passed you chose to stay in French Quarter helping residents who were in great difficulties, especially the elderly.
“You were also part of a vital link between the fire station and the hospital, providing first aid and getting people to hospital for treatment. Not only that, you gave refuge to people in your own house and stayed to distribute water and help to residents wherever you could together with Vice Presidents Annick Petrus, Steven Patrick and Territorial Councillor Sofia Carti.
“Dear Marc, it is a privilege for me to bestow this medal on behalf of myself, the Territorial Council and the population for your courage. Your family and children can be very proud of your actions.”
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/89141-lake-honoured-for-saving-lives
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