By Alex Allan, Acadia Broadcasting
Baxter had been working near the Little Lake Reservoir when he heard someone calling out. A child was struggling in the water.
Without hesitation, he tore down nearby fencing and entered the reservoir, still wearing his work boots and gear.
Speaking to council on Monday’s meeting, Baxter said he didn’t stop to weigh the risks.
“I didn’t really think about it until I was already in the water,” he said.
The city presented Baxter with a Council Commendation, an honour typically reserved for the annual Civic Awards but occasionally given in response to exceptional acts of service.
Baxter credited his time in the Canadian Armed Forces with giving him the training and confidence to respond quickly.
While that experience helped, he said the choice to act came down to something simpler.
“It just felt like the right thing to do,” he said.
Baxter told council he doesn’t see himself as a hero. He added that in situations like this, it’s easy to assume someone else will take action.
“A lot of people hope the right thing gets done,” he said. “In this case, I was just in the position to do it.”
Mayor Donna Reardon said Baxter’s actions reflect a strong sense of responsibility and care for others in the community.
