“A true hero isn’t measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart” – Zeus. It was just a normal night for Garry Remple; Volunteer Assistant Equipment Manager for the Oil Capitals and employee at the Alexandra Hotel, Black Gold Saloon. He was leaving the rink after an Oil Capitals game Thursday, October 6 – but the rest of the night was one for the books.
Remple was walking from the game to the Alexandra Hotel when he saw a light flashing near the tracks and heard someone yelling, “Help me.”
“I told the guy I was coming, I am coming as quick as I can.” Remple continued, “I see him laying there and it was obvious that he was in pain. I told him just to keep calm and not move around because if you move around it’s going to hurt more.” Remple then moved the man, later identified as Harris McEwen, away from the track and helped to comfort him before calling for help. Remple called his boss, Gorden Halowaty – Owner of the Alexandra Hotel for assistance on the proper steps to take in order to help Mr. McEwen – Halowaty then proceeded to call 9-1-1.
“ I helped him away from the track and carried him a little before I set him down.” Remple carried on, “It took awhile for help to come but I stayed with him the whole time.”
McEwen was walking home from the Oil Caps game and he stepped on a rock, rolled his ankle, fell and broke his femur. Considering the dangerous situation McEwen faced, he was fortunate Remple could hear his calls for help. McEwen was transported to Brandon Health Centre for surgery – he has currently been transported back to the Virden Hospital for his recovery, which is going well.
“ What came to my mind during this situation to keep me calm was that people don’t give me credit or think I can do things and this was my chance to show them I can.” Remple continued, “But the best part for me is the Oil Capitals players/staff being so proud of me.”
