‘Hummer hero’ receives medal of bravery from the Royal Canadian Humane Association

Darrell Krushelnicki made national headlines this August for swerving his Hummer into the path of a speeding car that was heading toward four young pedestrians, aged between 3 and 16, saving their lives.

None of the children were injured.

"He could have died if it hit the wrong way. He risked his life for four kids he didn't even know. It's amazing," said Janice Marett, 15, following her near-death experience.

"It was a situation again where many things could have gone wrong and I believe the absolute best thing took place," Krushelnicki told CBC News. "Twisted metal is just that — it can be replaced and the lives can't."

On Monday, Krushelnicki was one of 26 people honoured by the Royal Canadian Humane Association for bravery in the province of Alberta.

The aim of the association is "to recognize such deeds of heroism, by Canadians in civilian life, who, through their alertness, skill and concern, save or attempt to save a life, especially where those actions lie outside the ordinary duties of the person involved."

See the entire list of recipients here.

Krushelnicki, who received the Bronze Medal for Bravey, doesn't consider himself a hero, and believes anybody would have reacted as he did.

Still, one of the teens he saved attended the ceremony to thank him in person.

"I wanted to come down here and say thank you for what he did 'cause he didn't actually have to do that," said Kyle McInnes.

The driver of the speeding car was charged with dangerous driving.

Krushelnicki's insurance company decided to not hold the hero liable for the crash.

"We appreciate that thanks to Darrell's quick response, four children were unharmed last week while crossing a pedestrian crosswalk. Because of these actions, Darrell will not be charged with an at-fault accident and we will also waive his deductible," a spokesperson for Intact Insurance wrote to CBC News.