Heroic driving honored by G-G

OTTAWA — To truck driver David Virgoe, swerving to avoid a traffic conflagration on the 400 Northbound near Barrie on that June day three years was simply something he had to do.

To others, it was an heroic act, on par with sacrificing one’s life for the good of others.

Last week, David Glenn Virgoe, of Angus, Ont., was honored alongside 46 other Canadian heroes in a special ceremony led by Governor General Michaelle Jean at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa.

The bravery decorations were inaugurated in 1972 to recognize people who risked their lives to try to save or protect the lives of others. Virgoe lost his life June 18, 2007, when he swerved to avoid oncoming traffic after his tractor-trailer was hit by a street racer.

After the impact, Mr. Virgoe’s rig hit another car, broke through the guardrail, and then drifted into the center median. When Virgoe attempted a final manoeuvre to regain control, his truck skidded across three lanes, rolled down an embankment and tipped over. The impact was fatal.

His selfless actions, done at the cost of his own life, undoubtedly prevented numerous collisions, thus saving many people from injury or death.

Virgoe’s widow, Debbie Virgoe, received the award on behalf of her late husband.


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