Electricity Canada’s oldest award, the Lifesaving Award, honour employees from Electricity Canada’s member companies who demonstrated remarkable bravery, leadership, and compassion in preventing harm and saving lives.
“If there’s one common theme to our Lifesaving Awards, it’s the commitment to help others no matter the situation.” Said Electricity Canada’s President and CEO, Francis Bradley. “From saving a family during a storm, to stepping in to treat a colleague in distress, to rescuing someone while off-duty at the hockey rink, to providing vital support to countless people through mental health advocacy, this year’s lifesavers acted with courage and thoughtful, decisive action.”
The 2025 Electricity Canada Lifesaving Award winners include:
FortisAlberta employees Blake Heidmiller, Nancy Alexandre and Dian McFarlane who were instrumental in saving the lives of a family with two young children, when a live conductor collapsed on top of their vehicle during a storm. Nancy and Dian, who were working in dispatch, maintained constant communication as Blake, a Powerline Technician, responded on-site. Despite a language barrier and the family’s understandable distress, Blake stayed with them, offering reassurance until the scene was secured. Through coordinated efforts with 911 and the transmission provider, the team ensured the family remained safe until help arrived.
Toronto Hydro employees Sarim Humayun and Marcus Sampson were recognized for their lifesaving response to a medical emergency at a Toronto Hydro work centre. Alongside a colleague, they administered CPR and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) until paramedics arrived. Sarim’ and Marcus’ commitment extended beyond the incident: both have become strong advocates for better emergency preparedness, working to increase AED availability and to improve communication protocols at Toronto Hydro.
Jamie Horne, Manager of Work Methods at Hydro One was singled out for his decisive actions during a recreational hockey game in Honeywood, Ontario. When a player collapsed, Horne took charge, directing bystanders, retrieving an AED, and performing CPR. His swift intervention and successful AED shock restored the individual’s heartbeat before emergency services arrived—actions credited with saving the player’s life.
AltaLink’s Dane Harrison was honoured for championing mental-health awareness through the company’s Buddy Up program, a men’s suicide-prevention initiative. Along with colleagues, Harrison helped integrate psychological safety into field culture, reducing stigma and fostering open dialogue and trust.
Electricity Canada’s Lifesaving Awards were presented at this year’s Powering Partnerships summit held in Vancouver on November 25, 2025.