Officers commended for rescuing 7 boaters this summer

SYRACUSE, Ind. -- Two Indiana Conservation Officers and a Kosciusko Lake Patrol Officer were recognized by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators for rescuing seven boaters on Lake Wawasee on July 25th.

Indiana Conservation Officers Jonathon Boyd and Dustin Whitehead responded to calls for help from Kosciusko Lake Patrol Officer Ken Troutman to assist with a sinking boat.

There were seven people on a sinking boat, but only one had a life jacket.

The three officers rescued everyone from the water within minutes.

Indiana Conservation Officer’s Executive staff presented the officers with the commendations and gave them a standing ovation in Indianapolis.

"I am very proud of these officers and their efforts to assist our citizens in their time of need," said Danny L. East, Director IDNR Law Enforcement in a press release about the event.

Troutman was unable to attend the event in Indianapolis.