(Des Moines)– Two local residents received special recognition today (Wed.) at the statehouse in Des Moines for their heroic actions. They were among several individuals recognized during the 2024 Sullivan Brothers’ Award of Valor and Governor’s Lifesaving awards ceremony.
Evan Scheck of Spirit Lake was recognized for rescuing two boys from the flooded Little Sioux River in Spencer on May 9th of this year. Scheck was coaching the Spencer High School girls’ tennis team when he heard screams and discovered two 12-year-old boys had been swept away while trying to cross a bike path. Scheck rescued the first boy and attempted to rescue the second but had to retreat due to the extremely swift current and deep water. He remained on the scene keeping the boy calm until rescue crews arrived. First responders threw Evan a flotation device and he was able to secure himself and the boy while they were pulled to safety.
Joseph Salmon of Spencer was recognized for rescuing a man and his dog on February 4th, 2023 after a vehicle they were in fell through the ice near the Highway 71 bridge between East and West Lake Okoboji. Salmon was 17 at the time. He was unable to attend last year’s ceremony due to an injury sustained in a hunting accident.
