Almost three years after firefighting student Adam Brunt died during an ice and water rescue training course in Hanover, a criminal charge has been laid against the trainer Terry Harrison.

"I saw with my own eyes the criminal negligence that he did" alleged Terri Jo Thompson, one of Harrison's students that day.

Harrison has been charged with criminal negligence causing death and Thompson is the reason this is now happening after all these years.

Thompson and Brunt were among twelve students participating in a two day water and ice rescue training course carried out by Terry Harrison and his company Herschel Rescue Training Services in 2015.

Firefighting student Adam Brunt was 30 at the time of his death. (Provided by Brunt's family)

On Feb. 8, 2015 the students were travelling down the Saugeenhim, not Terry," said Christy Brunt, Adam's mother.

'She's family' said Christy Brunt of Terri Jo Thompson after Thompson successfully pursued a private prosecution to have trainer Terry Harrison criminally charged for the death of Adam Brunt. (Makda Ghebreslassie )

But Thompson promised the family she would pursue a private prosecution.

In Ontario, citizens who believe a crime has been committed are given the opportunity to argue that in front of a judge or justice of the peace.

"I just felt that if there was one person to pursue this course of a private prosecution it was the person that was there with him in his last moments," said Thompson.

Several hearings took place in Walkerton, Ont. between July and Dec. this year.

On Dec. 5, justice of the peace A. Magoulas agreed there