Three Utica officers were recognized for what fire chief Ben Brown termed “a heroic rescue” on July 27 at Starved Rock State Park, pulling a stranded woman — hanging by a root — from the water and before she could sustain injury.
Brown, Stewart and police chief Rodney Damron then handed out plaques to Sgt. Jay Quinn, officer Donald Weiss and former fire chief Rick Maltas.
“I believe they saved her life that day,” Utica Village President Dave Stewart said. “Not everyone can do the job they do.”