Dec 12, 2024

Governor's Lifesaving Award goes to northwest Iowa teen

Posted Dec 12, 2024 3:56 PM

(Radio Iowa) - A 19 year old from northwest Iowa has received the Governor's Lifesaving with Valor Award.

Joseph Salmon of Spirit Lake pulled an 83-year-old driver from a vehicle that broke through the ice In February of last year on East Okoboji Lake. Eight months after the rescue, Salmon was critically wounded in a hunting accident. He couldn't accept the award last year as he was still in the hospital and couldn't walk or talk, and was awaiting another brain surgery.

Salmon rose from a chair Wednesday and walked toward the governor and accepted the lifesaving award at a ceremony in the Iowa Capitol. Three other men were also recognized for heroic actions earlier this year in Spencer, Waterloo and Van Meter that saved lives.