On a stormy afternoon in Illinois in August, an elderly driver lost control of her vehicle as it plunged into a flooded retention pond.
Sinking up to its roof, multiple local community members immediately began to swim out to help, joined by 4 members of the Champaign Police Department (CPD).
Occurring on the 1900 block of North Prospect Avenue in Champaign, the 90-year-old woman was successfully rescued amid the downpour, and on September 29th, the rescuers were commended for their bravery.
The 3 community members who went into the water were recognized with Community Lifesaving Awards at a small event, with Champaign Police personnel reading their heroic deeds for their families and friends.
Additionally, 4 officers who helped pull the driver out of the vehicle were also present, receiving the Chief’s Challenge Coin for setting their safety aside and taking extraordinary measures to keep everyone safe.
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The 90-year-old driver also attended, and thanked the people who helped her reach safety on that harrowing day.
The woman’s son, who identified himself as a US Coast Guard officer in the comment section of a Facebook post from the CPD, thanked everyone involved in the rescue, saying “I know full well how dangerous rescues can be and commend you for your quick and heroic actions.”
WATCH the story, including dash and body cam footage, below…
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