Two Porter Police
officers were awarded the Medal of Valor on Tuesday, for their efforts last
summer to save the life of a 14-year-old Illinois boy drowning in Lake
Michigan off Indiana Dunes State Park beach.
Honored were Lt.
John McMahon and Officer Kevin Rospierski.
The incident
occurred on Saturday, Aug. 18, and was the second of two drownings which
occurred at Dunes State Park within the space of an hour.
The citation:
“During the response to the second drowning incident, Lt. John McMahon
observed the drowning victim being rolled in the waves. Without concern for
their personal safety, both McMahon and Officer Kevin Rospierski entered the
water and pulled the victim to shore, where they assisted with life-saving
efforts. Sadly, the rescue efforts were punctuated with tragedy, as the
victim did not recover.
“Gentlemen, your
spirit of altruism stands boldly.
“You risked your
lives in your attempt to save another, while disregarding the imminent
threat of Lake Michigan rip currents.
“The Town of Porter
Police Department commends you for your actions.
“Your actions
personify bravery and selfless service.”
Less than an hour
before the 14-year-old boy drowned, a 10-year-old Chicago boy also drowned.
Lifeguards were on duty that day but a brisk north wind had made the lake
choppy and water restrictions were in place, allowing swimmers to go no
further than waist-deep, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources said at
the time.