DES MOINES, Iowa — Six Iowans were recognized for acts of bravery during the 2023 Governor's Lifesaving Awards and Sullivan Brothers' Award of Valor ceremony Monday morning.
Both awards honor Iowans who commit heroic acts during times of crisis.
"The greatness of our state really does lie in our people," Gov. Kim Reynolds said at the ceremony. "Iowans are brave, they're big-hearted and generous. They care both for their neighbors and strangers in need, and they don't count the cost. Year after year, this ceremony demonstrates just how deeply these qualities run."
The Governor's Lifesaving Award is given to everyday Iowans who attempt to save the life of another person. This year's award went to two men: Andrew Kreig of Cylinder and Caleb Crocker of Guttenberg.
Kreig was working at a farm in rural Palo Alto County when he received a call from another farmhand, reporting smoke coming from the acreage of an elderly neighbor. When Kreig went to check out the scene, he found the home's entryway engulfed in flames.
"Andrew forced his way through the locked door, ventured inside the burning home, battled the thick smoke billowing inside and located the elderly resident lying on the floor," said Iowa Public Safety Commissioner Stephen Bayens. "Andrew quickly carried the man from the burning home to safety."
Crocker was working as a direct support professional at a residential home for Iowans with disabilities when he realized the home was on fire. He responded immediately by calling 911 and jumping into action.
"As the home started to fill with smoke, Caleb continually reentered the home not once, not twice, but five times and guided, and in some instances, carried, the residents to safety," Bayens said.
The Sullivan Brothers' Award of Valor, named in honor of five Waterloo brothers who died while serving together in World War II, recognizes peacemakers and firefighters who performed heroic acts far in excess of their typical duties.
The 2023 award went to four members of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office: Sheriff Neil Gross, Chief Deputy Cody Eckles, Sgt. Chad Butler and Deputy Bill McDaniel. The four officers rescued a suicidal man who barricaded himself in his home and set it on fire.
"The threat of ambush was real. Ammunition appeared to be cooking off inside. And the prospect the house may explode was palpable," Bayens said. "None the less, these four men decided to bear those risks and attempt to save the occupant."
Watch the full ceremony below.