POLICE MEDAL OF HONOR

OFFICER DANIEL WIND

Escanaba Public Safety Department

On April 16, 2008, members of the Escanaba Public Safety Department responded to a call for help at the Escanaba Municipal Dock on the Lake Michigan shoreline.  A young boy, who was swimming with companions, became overwhelmed by the waves and undertow, and was in obvious distress.  Witnesses spoke of the young boy submerging out of sight twice, and two separate attempts by citizens to swim to the boy that proved fruitless, as the would-be rescuers each succumbed to the extreme conditions and were forced to turn back.

PSO Wind, at great risk to his own life, entered the Lake Michigan water and swam against abnormally-strong winds and current, reaching 14-year-old Daniel Derouin with no time to spare.  Daniel later reported he was losing strength and his fight to stay above water, and surely would have drowned if not for the arrival of PSO Wind.

After PSO Wind had secured Daniel in his arms, he began the arduous journey towards the dock where help was waiting.  When the pair reached the dock, PSO Wind, with little strength left, was able to push Daniel out of the water to the waiting hands of rescue personnel.  These personnel then had to assist the now exhausted PSO Wind from the water onto the safety of the dock.

PSO Wind, displaying extraordinary heroism at great risk to his own life, and being fully aware of the imminent threat to his safety, plunged into the waters of Lake Michigan and saved the life of another human being.  For this selfless act, he is being awarded the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police’s Medal of Valor.