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Three from UB recognized as heroes
Two UB police officers and a faculty member were among 10 individuals honored by the 100 Club of Buffalo at its annual Hero Awards Dinner on Feb. 26.
Officer Jon Fletcher and Officer Sean Ford were recognized for their efforts last spring in rescuing a man and his daughter, who had ventured into Lake LaSalle to save their struggling dog.
Dietrich Jehle, professor of emergency medicine, was recognized for helping to free a 6-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy from a burning car following an eight-car accident on the Niagara Thruway in September. Click here to read a UB Reporter story about Jehle.
Among the other honorees were Buffalo firefighters Lt. Charles “Chip” McCarthy and Firefighter Jonathan Croom, who died last August while fighting a fire in a Buffalo deli.
Fletcher and Ford’s heroics began last May 21 when they responded to a report of a car in Lake LaSalle. After arriving at the scene, they discovered that there was no car in the lake, but rather a father and his daughter, who had gone into the water to save their struggling dog. The officers removed their gun belts and jumped into the lake to assist the victims.
When the officers reached the victims, they found that the man was having difficulty swimming. Ford assisted the man, while Fletcher was able to carry the dog back to shore.
UB Police Lt. Dave Urbanek also responded to the call, and helped the father and daughter out of the water. He assisted Fletcher in administering CPR to the dog in an attempt to resuscitate it.
“Through their swift action and observations, these officers were able to deflect a potentially life-threatening situation with the man and his daughter,” said UB Police Chief Gerald Schoenle. “These two officers should be commended for their swift actions and dedication to the community—which may have saved a life—while disregarding their own personnel safety.
“This is the first time a University at Buffalo police officer has received the 100 Club award and we are honored, both for these fine officers and for our entire department,” Shoenle added.
The 100 Club provides assistance to the members of police, fire and emergency medical services and their families.
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