THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25: UPDATED Nine officers from the Bermuda Regiment were this morning awarded for rescuing a paralysed man and his pregnant sister during Hurricane Igor.

In a ceremony at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, the team was applauded by Minister of National Security David Burch and Minister for the Environment, Planning and Infrastructure Walter Roban.

The Bermuda CableVision community service awards were presented by general manager Terry Robertson.

Mr Robertson said: “These men and women deserve our utmost admiration for this brave act during a time of crisis for the Island. It is reassuring to know that within our community there are individuals such as these who are willing and able to rally to the support of others when nature is acting against us.”

Capt Duncan Simons, Sgt Major Gary White, Colour Sgt Frederick Pereech, Sgt Jason Smith, Cpl Shannon Jennings, Cpl Carol Everson, L/Cpl Jason Swan, Acting L/Cpl Eric DeSilva and Acting L/Cpl Daniel Bascome were commended for their part in the September 19 rescue, along with Commanding Officer Lt Col Brian Gonsalves.

They were called out to the Paget residence of Lauren Wilson

to rescue paralysed former Regiment soldier Wolde Bartley, along with his pregnant sister Walette Maldarnardo, after the storm knocked out the house’s electricity — and the generator running Mr Bartley’s life support system broke down.

The team took Mr Bartley and Mrs Maldarnardo to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where Mr Bartley was treated by medics and Mrs Maldarnardo later gave birth to a baby girl.

At this morning’s ceremony, Cpl Everson, who is raising money to buy a new generator for Mr Bartley, also received a surprise donation of $1000 from CableVision for her cause.

In giving thanks on behalf of the Regiment, Lt Col Gonsalves said: “We don’t do what we do to receive awards, we do it because we’re here to protect Bermuda, and when Bermuda calls we answer. Thank you very much, and we will continue to serve Bermuda as best we can.”

CableVision’s community service awards are given out each quarter to celebrate those who have selflessly aided others. The next awards will be given in January, and the company invites members of the public to nominate candidates for consideration.

National Security Minister David Burch said: “For many years the Bermuda Regiment has rendered service during times of natural disaster both here and abroad. The Regiment's team of dedicated men and women have a reputation for 'saving the day'.

“Their reputation is known both locally and throughout the region. In providing service to their country they sometimes are asked to leave the side of their immediate family to provide service to their wider family.

“The greatest honour one can receive is recognition from your own. So, today I am particularly proud to stand here alongside the management and staff of Bermuda CableVision as we recognise the contributions of these fine soldiers.

“I applaud Bermuda CableVision for consistently recognizing the unsung heroes in our community through their quarterly Community Service Awards.”

More on this in tomorrow’s Royal Gazette