Ketchum Police Deputy Garrett Ruckle Tuesday received the “Life Saving” award for rescuing two people trapped in a vehicle sinking into a pond earlier this year.
Emergency dispatchers received a call about 3:50 a.m. on March 22nd that a vehicle was in the pond in front of the Sun Valley Lodge.
Ruckle responded under Ketchum’s mutual aid agreement with the city of Sun Valley.
According to a news release, Ruckle waded into neck-deep water and tried to break the front windshield with his baton, but was unsuccessful. He then broke the side front window and got the passengers out of the car.
Ketchum Police Chief Dave Kassner presented the award at Monday’s City Council meeting.
“I’m always quick to point out that the crew I currently work with at the Ketchum Division of the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office are the very best people I have ever worked with,” said Kassner. “Garrett’s quick response to the situation he was presented with that evening is a prime example of the integrity, courage and desire to serve that my entire staff possesses.”
Ruckle, a graduate of Boise State University, joined the police force in January of last year. He had previously worked in the Wood River Valley as a youth development assistant for the Boys and Girls Club of America.
