Real heroes of Anderson Police Department

REAL HEROES: APD Officers Day, Harper and Maxwell stand ready to receive the law enforcement agency's Medal of Life Saving during last week's Anderson City Council meeting.

Three Anderson Police Department officers recently received the law enforcement agency's Medal of Life Saving for acts of heroism shown in May when rescuing a teenage girl pinned against a concrete cross section of the Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District canal.

Officers Casey Day, Stephen Harper and Garett Maxwell all responded to a reported near-drowning at 5:50 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, in an area of the ACID canal located near the Anderson Union High School District administrative offices.

The girl had reportedly been inner-tubing in the canal where it crosses Volonte Park in a concrete aqueduct. She had been swept against a concrete cross section of the canal and was unable to swim out due to the swiftness of the canal's current, explained Dale Webb, police chief.

"Working quickly and as a team, Officers Harper and Maxwell secured the victim with a rescue line and, with the assistance of Officer Day, were able to pull the victim to safety," Webb told the Anderson City Council during an awards ceremony held Sept. 15 in the council chambers at city hall.

"Through their teamwork, initiative and prompt decision-making skills, there is no doubt in my mind that these officers saved the life of this 15-year-old female," Webb commented.

Captain Robert Kirvin then draped an enameled gold cross on a red ribbon sash around the neck of each officer before shaking hands and congratulating the recipient.

Webb then handed each officer a certificate of recognition marking the occasion.

Council members, fellow officers, family, friends and all those in the council chamber audience who were able then stood to applaud the trio's heroism and quick action.