INUVIK
Inuvik is officially the home of the brave.

Former medal recipient Matthew Clark, left, congratulates Teddy Omilgoituk, 12, and his brother, Larry Angasuk Jr., 16, for winning Governer General medals of bravery April 30, along with former medal recipient Vince Sharpe, during a ceremony at East Three Secondary School. The brothers and two RCMP officers entered a burning building to rescue two family members from an October 2011 fire on Dolphin Street. One of the young children survived the blaze after being carried out by Angasuk Jr., while Omilgoituk received burns in a failed attempt to rescue a toddler, who did not survive the fire. - Shawn Giilck/NNSL photo

Brothers Larry Angasuk Jr. and Teddy Omilgoituk were surprised with a ceremony April 30 at East Three Secondary School marking the two Medals of Bravery they received from Gov.-Gen. David Johnston.

The boys had travelled to Ottawa on April 24 to receive their medals, along with RCMP officers Andrew Aucoin and Todd Glemser.

In October of 2011, the boys charged back into a fire at their family home on Dolphin Street to try to rescue two young family members. Angasuk Jr., who is now 16, managed to retrieve one of the children, while Omilgoituk, now 12, was overcome by the smoke and flames and badly burned.

Aucoin and Glemser entered the home as he ran out, and were able to find the second toddler, who unfortunately didn't survive the fire.

Inuvik town council and Fire Chief Jim Sawkins wanted to recognize the heroic actions of the boys and the constables. Sawkins, who was flying in from Edmonton on his first day on the job when the fire happened, nominated them for the Canadian Medals of Bravery.

Mayor Floyd Roland was on hand for the ceremony at the school, as was Sawkins, who spoke eloquently to Omilgoituk in particular, saying he understood his suffering as he recovered from his burns.

Interestingly, Inuvik is also home to two other recipients of bravery medals.

Well-known local businessman Vince Sharpe received the medal in 2011 for helping to rescue two men from a trailer fire in November 2007.

Matthew Clark, the manager of the Inuvik NorthMart store, was presented with the medal many years ago after rescuing a neighbour from a fire when he was 16.

Both men were on hand to salute the brothers and welcome them into the "fraternity."

In an emotional moment, Clark told the boys he and Sharpe would be their "mentors" and offered them jobs when they needed or wanted to work.

Clark also presented the boys with certificates for new bicycles, which both wanted.

When he asked Angasuk Jr. who wanted a new bike more, Angasuk Jr. pointed to Omilgoituk. Clark presented each one with a certificate instead, surprising Angasuk Jr., who broke out into a huge smile.

The fire department will be buying the boys helmets to go with the bikes.

Sharpe presented the brothers with a new Xbox gaming system, along with two controllers.

"That's so you don't fight over it," he said with a smile.

East Three Secondary School presented the boys with certificates as well during the assembly in front of the student body.

Afterwards, the brothers shyly commented on the surprise celebration.

"I can't really tell you what this means to me right now," Angasuk Jr. said.

Both said they enjoyed their visit to Ottawa at the end of April.

Omilgoituk said he enjoyed shopping at the Rideau Centre in particular.