Three Dallas police officers and two citizens who took part in a heroic water rescue were recognized by Chief David Brown Friday morning.
The two citizens, Denise McElroy and Matt Sorley, were jogging along Bachman Lake at about 6:40 a.m. when they noticed an SUV swerving and out-of-control crash into the lake.
Both joggers dove into the water to try to rescue the driver, identified as Jason McClellan, as the SUV began to sink, but due to the water pressure they were unable to open the door.
Another jogger passing by had a phone and allowed McElroy to call 911. A short time later, Dallas police officers Sean Mock, Ryan Mabry and Matt Williamson all arrived at the scene.
Mabry, who is a lifeguard and on the Dallas Police Department Dive Team, and Mock, dove into the frigid water and tried to break into the windows and open the door, but were unable to do so.
The officers then swam up to the top and broke through the vehicle's sun roof and were able to rescue McClellan, who was unconscious.
Mabry and Mock swam McClellan back to shore. As Officer Williamson began performing CPR, Mabry and Mock then swam back to the SUV to make sure there was no one else in the vehicle.
Brown said the McClellan had a medical issue that caused the crash and had an additional medical issue after the crash. Brown said McClellan didn't remember anything about the crash but is doing well and receiving care.
The citizens were presented with the Certificate of Merit while the three officers were both presented with the Meritorious Conduct Award, the department's fourth highest award, and the Life-Saving Award.
