Deputies West, Creasy Receive Medals Of Bravery For Work During Frankfort Lagoons Rescue

After several weeks of anticipation for the honors to arrive, Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly presented Deputy Ryan West and Deputy Nevis Creasy with Medals of Bravery for their actions on Nov. 19, 2023 at the Frankfort Lagoons.

The incident that earned the two deputies their honors occurred around 5 p.m. on Nov. 19 when Clinton County Central Dispatch received a call regarding a vehicle that was reportedly submerged within the Frankfort Lagoons and was sinking rapidly with occupants still inside the vehicle.

The Sheriff’s Office reported that West and and Creasy arrived on the scene within two minutes of the initial dispatch notification alongside Frankfort Police Department officer Cristofer Alconedo. Reports state that the three men entered the water to attempt a rescue of the female driver who was still inside the vehicle.

Frankfort Police Department Lieutenant Joshua Ruben arrived on the scene and entered the water to assist with the rescue as well. The four officers were able to break the window and pry the passenger’s side door open as Frankfort Fire Department firefighters arrived to continue the assistance. The firefighters, equipped with cold water rescue suits, entered the water to assist in extracting Maria Lopez, 49, of Frankfort from the vehicle.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Lopez remained in critical condition for a while after the incident. Passenger Leonidas Siles,  53, of Frankfort was able to escape the vehicle and reach safety on his own.

Sheriff Kelly released insights into the justification of the award for the two deputies alongside the other officers and firefighters who received the award from their departments as well.

”We commend all agencies for their quick actions in responding to this event,” Kelly said. “I can’t tell the community enough what incredible first responders serve Clinton County and the City of Frankfort. The courage and strength exemplified by the four officers who entered the near-freezing water to save a life should be acknowledged and greatly commended.”