DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- An off-duty sheriff's deputy credited with saving a teenager from drowning and a veteran firefighter of 40 years, who recently died, are recipients of the state's top award of valor.
Gov. Tom Vilsack presented the Sullivan Brothers Award of Valor on Wednesday to Vic Lilienthal, a Ringgold County deputy, and Leo Beauchamp, a former Washington firefighter.
Lilienthal was off duty when called on April 9 to respond to Mt. Ayr Lake, where a group of five teenagers had been swimming. Tonya Johnson had tried to swim across the lake when she began struggling. A bystander called 911 and the dispatcher called the on-duty deputy, but he was far away from the scene.
The dispatcher then notified Lilienthal, who was a member of the Mt. Ayr Fire Department Rescue and Dive Team. Despite the choppy water and 40-degree water temperature, Lilienthal save her before other rescuers could arrive, knowing that Johnson would drown if he waited for others.
Leo Beauchamp, 81, was a member of the Washington Volunteer Fire Department from 1957 until 1997. He also served on the Fireman's Association board of directors for seven years, and was president for two years. He also had worked as a legislative lobbyist for the association for more than 20 years.
He served on the Sullivan Brother's Award of Valor Committee for the past 26 years.
Beauchamp died Aug. 23 at the Washington County Hospital following a sudden illness.
His widow, Norma Beauchamp, received his award.
The Sullivan Brothers Award of Valor is given to peace officers and firefighters who perform a heroic act above the official call of duty while aware of the threat to their personal safety.
