Kelowna

Tyler Marchen would like the attention to all go away so he can move on with life.

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

Mayor Walter Gray presents Tyler Marchen the Governor General's Certificate of Commendation

Marchen will have to wait a couple more days.

The Kelowna native went before City Council Monday to receive the Governor General's Certificate of Commendation for his part in rescuing people trapped in a fiery crash on Highway 97 near Vernon in July, 2009.

Marchen was one of five men who came to the rescue of those impacted when a pick-up truck and three ton truck were involved in a head-on collision.

The four civilians are being presented with the Certificate of Commendation in their home towns while the fifth man, RCMP Sgt. Scott Rempel was presented with the Medal of Bravery by Governor General, David Johnston at Rideau Hall in Ottawa last month.

"Your selfless actions are an inspiration to others and represent a high form of citizenship for which we can all be proud," Mayor Walter Gray said to Marchen in presenting him the certificate on behalf of the Governor General.

The five men assisted the driver of the three ton truck out of his vehicle after first breaking the driver side window before returning to the second vehicle, forced the door open and pulled the deceased driver a safe distance away.

Marchen told Gray prior to the presentation he didn't wish to speak because, in Mayor Gray's words, "It was three years ago and eventually it has to be behind you."

The other three men are from the North Okanagan and Shuswap areas.