Tommy Fox Award
 

On July 25, 2008, at approximately midnight, West Columbia Police officers were dispatched to Laurel Crest Drive in reference to and individual falling into the Saluda River. Once officers arrived on the scene, a witness related to them that the victim was in and out of consciousness and had stopped breathing more than once. She was located on an island close to the Columbia side of the river.

Due to the time it would take for rescue boats to reach the area, and the condition of the victim, Officer Leah Sugarman volunteered to swim to the island to attempt a rescue of the victim. Once there Officer Sugarman was able to stabilize the victim through rescue breathing and with the assistance of witness on the island. A make shift gurney was made and the victim moved to the shore. Once on shore the victim stopped breathing again and Officer Sugarman resuscitate the victim.

Officer Sugarman risked her own life and safety and acted heroically to rescue a victim in very dangerous situation.