NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — New Smyrna Beach Police Officer Gordon VanDusen and civilians Ryan Troy and William Hardy were awarded medals and citations during a City Commission meeting for their rescue of an elderly man near U.S. Coast Guard Station Ponce de Leon.
The honors recognize their actions during a July 15 water emergency.
The incident occurred after the elderly man suffered a medical emergency and fell into the water from an anchored boat. A family member kept the unresponsive man afloat until responders arrived.
Officer VanDusen coordinated the rescue effort to move the victim onto his police vessel for transport to awaiting medical personnel. Hardy assisted in bringing the man aboard the boat, and Troy performed continuous chest compressions under instruction during the recovery.
New Smyrna Beach Mayor Fred Cleveland commended the three men for their actions during the presentation.
“Officer VanDusen, Mr. Troy, and Mr. Hardy exemplify what it means to be true ‘Good Smyrnians,’ a person who steps forward in a moment of need, places the well-being of others above themselves, and demonstrates compassion, courage, and character that make New Smyrna Beach such a special place to call home,” Cleveland said.
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