Awards ceremony 2025

Kircher, Benz, Forberger
 

On June 28, 2024, three young men in Dallenwil demonstrated exceptional courage and human greatness: constable Mathis Forberger, constable Raul Benz and soldier Christian Kilcher.

When an emergency call suddenly broke the silence, they rushed into the dangerous situation without hesitation to save a life.

Kilcher, Benz and Forberger, who were in the bunker with other soldiers during an exercise, heard the alarming beep of an AED defibrillator. They immediately followed the janitor, who took the defibrillator from the wall and ran off.

At the scene, they found an unconscious man next to the school who was covered in blood and had glassy eyes. The first 25 to 30 minutes of resuscitation were carried out by Kilcher and Benz, who took turns - Kilcher started with the resuscitation. Forberger later joined the rotation. Meanwhile, colleagues took care of traffic control. The first emergency services (paramedics and ambulance) arrived around 15 to 20 minutes after the alarm was raised, but it took longer for the emergency doctors to arrive.

Even after the arrival of the emergency services (ambulance and emergency doctors), Kilcher, Benz and Forberger continued the resuscitation tirelessly while the emergency services cared for the patient. In total, the resuscitation lasted around 40 to 45 minutes before the man was finally pronounced dead.

These brave men are true heroes who acted consistently and decisively in an extreme situation. Under overwhelming pressure, they demonstrated unwavering courage, showed deep humanity and gave a stranger the last shred of hope. We honor them with deep respect and the greatest appreciation.​​

Tamara Doswald

On September 17, 2024, Tamara, youth leader of the Zug Samaritan Association, experienced a pivotal moment that changed her life and that of another forever.

Shortly after 7 PM, on her way home from the hospital to the train station, she discovered a lifeless person on the floor of a hair salon in Baar. Curious and attentive, she repeatedly checked the patient's breathing, found no signs of life, and immediately alerted the emergency services by calling 144. Tamara immediately began CPR according to the textbook procedure (30:2) – chest compressions and artificial respiration. With the calm and precision she had learned during her training with the Samaritan Association, she acted decisively until the professionals arrived. Her quick and correct intervention was crucial, as defibrillation saved the patient. Tamara later explained that she simply acted because she could and knew it was important.

Tamara is not only a lifesaving hero but also a role model for volunteerism. As a youth leader, she trains children and young people in first aid, imparting important skills. Her courageous intervention demonstrates how civil courage can save lives. She proves that everyone is capable of making a difference in critical situations. Her commitment deserves the utmost respect and makes her an inspiring role model for humanity and responsibility.

Alexander Werren &
Robin Von Riedmatten

On Friday evening, July 5, 2024, a traffic accident occurred in Guttannen, in the canton of Bern, in which a car plunged into Lake Räterichsboden. Thanks to the quick reaction of two motorcyclists, worse consequences were averted.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m., police reported that a vehicle had driven into the lake. Emergency services found a slowly sinking car in the Geissgufer area. The vehicle was traveling from Guttannen toward the Grimsel Pass when, for unknown reasons, it left the road, collided, and slid into the lake.

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Alexander Werren and Robin von Riedmatten reacted immediately, jumping into the water and freeing the driver before the car completely submerged. Without their courageous intervention, the driver might have drowned. The injured man was flown to a hospital by helicopter, and the vehicle was recovered. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

The Grimsel Pass road was closed during the rescue operations. This operation demonstrates the importance of prudent and courageous action. Werren and Riedmatten saved lives and deserve great respect. On behalf of both of them, I present Mr. Werren with our community's highest award – in gratitude for their courageous efforts.

Roland Beetschen

In early 2024, Laurent Schai suffered a heart attack while riding his motorcycle in the Simmental Valley at the Jaun Pass. A farmer saved his life by quickly performing CPR. The two met for an emotional exchange.

Mr. Beetschen's actions can hardly be overestimated. In a crucial moment, when seconds could mean the difference between life and death, he demonstrated courage and the ability to act appropriately under extreme pressure. He embodies the best qualities of our community: helpfulness, compassion, and dedication. The encounter with Mr. Schai is particularly touching; it demonstrates the deep human connection and reminds us how precious and fragile life is.

Simon Burkhard

On January 24, 2025, a two-and-a-half-year-old child was attacked by a Rottweiler in Sumiswald. Mr. Burkhard, who worked nearby, heard the commotion, immediately rushed to the scene, and courageously separated the dog from the child.

His courageous intervention prevented an even greater tragedy and saved the child's life. He acted without fear for his own safety, driven by compassion. The Bern Cantonal Police honored his actions with a civic gift. Mr. Burkhard demonstrates that heroism often lies in quiet moments and is characterized by courage and humanity. We thank him on behalf of the community – his actions remain an inspiration to us all.

Daniel Jäggi

On August 10, 2024, Daniel Jäggi became a hero during a canoe trip on the Aare River in Wolfwil.

After seeing a woman floating in the waves during a break, he bravely jumped into the water. Despite strong currents and his own exhaustion, he fought to bring her to shore. He swallowed a lot of water and reached his limits, but he never gave up. Eventually, he reached her, brought her to shore, and alerted the rescue services.

Shortly thereafter, he jumped into the water again to rescue a second unconscious woman. With great strength, he managed to pull her to shore, while screaming for help in exhaustion. Thanks to his efforts, the police, fire department, and Rega (Rega) arrived, and he was able to return to his family shortly thereafter.

His spontaneous decision to help is an impressive example of civil courage. Mr. Jäggi, always willing to help others, saved two lives with his courageous actions. His story shows how important it is to intervene courageously and take responsibility in emergency situations.

Quentin Glassey

On July 19, 2024, Mr. Glassey demonstrated great civic courage in the Bern train station concourse. As a trainee emergency paramedic, he reacted immediately when he noticed an unconscious woman suffering from seizures. Calmly and professionally, he assessed her condition, secured her airway, and provided first aid until emergency services arrived.

His commitment, even in difficult circumstances, demonstrates that responsibility and compassion are not a matter of age. Quentin Glassey gave a woman in a critical situation the best chance of receiving help. We express our deepest gratitude for his exemplary actions. His actions inspire us all to help courageously and compassionately.

Yanis Lagger

Yanis, a 29-year-old from French-speaking Switzerland, embodies the best qualities of our society: civil courage, compassion and the willingness to help others to stand up.

On March 2, 2024, in Zurich, Yanis showed that true heroes don't come in capes, but in everyday clothes and with an open heart. When he witnessed an attack on an Orthodox Jew, he hesitated. He didn't hesitate for a moment. With the calm and composure of an experienced
martial artist, he analyzed the situation and intervened in the right moment. He and his friends not only showed courage in overpowering the perpetrator, but also deep
humanity in caring for the victim. In a moment when seconds count. When life and death could be the deciding factor, they remained calm and compassionate.

Yanis's humility is particularly impressive. He doesn't see himself as a hero, but as someone who simply did the right thing. This attitude shows us that heroism often occurs in the seemingly small but decisive moments of
can be found in everyday life.

The deed is more than just a single heroic act. It is a shining Example of how we as a society should confront hatred and violence: with
Determination, compassion and the unconditional will to stand up for one another.

Franzi Thomas

On October 1, 2024, Fränzi Thomas was escorting nine kindergarten children to afternoon care alone. At an intersection, she suddenly noticed a young man stabbing a boy with a knife. Without hesitation, she rushed toward the perpetrator, shouted "Stop!", and grabbed him from behind to prevent further attacks.

After several attempts to free the child, the perpetrator dropped the knife and gave up. The children ran away in terror, and two women came to Fränzi's aid. She rushed after the children, realized that another boy was injured, and administered first aid. On the way to the daycare center, she called the emergency services, cared for another injured boy, and made sure the children were okay.

Fränzi Thomas acted courageously and calmly in a life-threatening situation, preventing worse outcomes and saving children. Her efforts exceeded all call of duty and deserve the highest recognition.

Michael Keller

On August 29, 2024, at approximately 6:20 AM in Sargans, Mr. Keller saved a mentally distressed person who was about to throw himself in front of a train. He forcefully pulled the man away as he stood at the edge of the track, thus preventing a tragedy. After the incident, the man, Mr. Bucher, confided in Mr. Keller that he was suffering from manic depression and had suicidal thoughts.

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Mr. Keller organized treatment for him at a clinic and paid for his taxi ride. He acted out of deep compassion and responsibility, not just a sense of duty. His courage and support saved lives and demonstrate what true humanity means. The Carnegie Lifesaver Foundation Switzerland honors him for his commitment - a true everyday hero and inspiration to us all.

Joe Scherwey

On July 23, 2024, at approximately 3:45 PM, Joe Scherwey witnessed a serious accident at the Bern intersection. He secured the scene, organized the rescue, and provided pressure bandages and stabilization to the seriously injured cyclist, Mr. Broch.

Thanks to his quick, professional actions, Mr. Broch survived the accident and underwent successful surgery. Joe Scherwey demonstrated responsibility, professional competence, and compassion in his time of need. The Carnegie Lifesavers Foundation Switzerland honors him for his courage and dedication—a true everyday hero and a role model for us all.

Lachat, Vögtli, Pauli

On July 10, 2024, a serious accident occurred during the roundup in Chur, in which a car struck five recruits. One of the injured remained motionless on the ground. Raphael Lachat, Timo Vögtli, and Pauli responded immediately, providing life-saving first aid, stopping the bleeding, and stabilizing the injured man until emergency services arrived.

Vögtli, in particular, showed great courage and acted with lightning speed. Her courageous intervention prevented a worse situation. They deserve the highest recognition for this exemplary effort. Their courageous behavior is an example of courage, a sense of duty, and camaraderie.

Karin and Hans Dürrenberger

On January 9, 2024, Karin and Hans Dürrenberger rescued a 70-year-old wheelchair user in Kaiseraugst who had fallen onto the tracks. Despite heavy engines, they freed her and kept her alive until rescuers arrived. The train struck the wheelchair, but the woman survived, albeit with serious injuries. The couple received widespread recognition for their courage and selflessness. Despite financial strain and frustration over liability, they continue to support the woman. Their dedication demonstrates the importance of civil courage and swift action—courage that saves lives and gives hope to others.

Paul Marschke

On February 1, 2025, Mr. Paul Marschke acted in a dangerous situation on public transport. He intervened immediately when he saw an offender violently attacking an elderly man. Although he died of shock, he courageously stepped between the offender and the victim, shouted "Stop!" and defused the situation. After intervening, he cared for the injured person until the police and paramedics arrived. His commitment shows the importance of civil courage. He is expressed with the utmost respect for his selfless actions. His courage is an inspiration to all of us to take responsibility in emergency situations and help others.