Marin Co. deputy receives Medal of Valor for rescuing woman from submerged car during storm
MARIN COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) -- Marin County Sheriff's Deputy Mike Dawson was honored with the Medal of Valor from the California State Sheriffs' Association for rescuing a woman from a vehicle submerging during a storm last winter.
"I appreciate it. It's very overwhelming," Dawson said of receiving the most prestigious public safety award in California.
Dawson said he was surprised by the attention the rescue received.
"I didn't really expect the attention that it got to be honest with you. I was literally just kind of doing my job," he said.
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The rescue occurred after a 911 call from a woman who reported that her vehicle was flooded and that she could not get out. Authorities said the woman lost control of her car on a rural road near Point Reyes during a storm in February.
Body camera footage shows Dawson arriving at the scene. He said the woman's car was nearly completely underwater.
"The water was cold and rushing. The car was shifting as I tried to clear a path for her to get out of the car," Dawson said.
Dawson broke a window and rescued the woman from the vehicle.
The driver, Angela Waring, said in a statement that Dawson's actions saved her life.
"I'm happy they are honoring him. He deserves it," Waring said.
Dawson said the recognition from the woman means a great deal to him.
"For her to say those kind words to me, it means a lot. It makes me feel warm inside," he said.
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The award comes as Marin County faces flood advisories and officials continue urging residents to use caution during wet weather, especially with El Niño warnings in place.
Dawson encouraged drivers to be prepared for changing road conditions and to avoid unnecessary risks.
"Slow down and make sure that you can react to the changing conditions. So what I could recommend, if you're in a vehicle that's submerged, you can safely get yourself out of the situation. Then make it happen because you never know how far away help's going to be. They may not be able to get to you," Dawson said.
Officials are reminding motorists not to drive through standing water and to turn around when encountering flooded roadways.
