Officers Awarded for Community Policing

Irving, Texas, March 25, 2022 – The Irving Police Department announced Officer Travis Allen and Officer Brendan Fowler are recipients of the Fifth Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing.

United States Attorney General Merrick B. Garland recognized these officers on March 17for their efforts to respond to a drowning in progress in the winter of 2021.

A family ventured out onto the ice-covered pond to take photos, but the father and mother fell through the ice into the frigid waters.

When Officer Fowler arrived on scene, he threw a lifeline to both, telling them to wrap it around themselves.

Officer Allen arrived next and communicated with Fowler to develop a rescue plan.

The Irving Fire Department arrived and assisted by sliding two ladders onto the ice, but the mother was succumbing to the cold and began to go under the water.

Officer Allen immediately crawled out on the ladder and held the woman’s face above water. A firefighter crawled out on the other ladder as the ice broke under Officer Allen, dumping him into the water. Allen and the firefighter quickly managed to lift the woman onto the ladder.

Other officers on the scene ensured everyone was attached to the ladder and pulled the ladder onto shore. The husband was responsive, but the wife was unresponsive and showed signs of hypothermia onset. Both were then transported to the hospital, where they recovered.

“Building trust between law enforcement and the community is essential to public safety,” Chad E. Meacham,United States Northern district attorney,said. “These officers exemplify that ethos. Their bravery and quick thinking during a drowning-in-progress ensured a loving family remained intact. I was immensely pleased to see Attorney General Merrick Garland recognize their work.”

SOURCE Irving Police Department