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SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED FOR
HEROISM
Three Superior National Forest employees received a Department of
Agriculture Award for Superior Service on June 4, 2001 in a ceremony in
Washington D.C. Bill Clayton (Crew Leader), Jenny Dahl, and Ryan
Byerly, Forest Archaeological Technicians, were nominated for their
heroic efforts that saved three people from drowning on Ensign Lake last
year.
The three archaeological technicians had decided to remain in camp until
weather conditions improved when Dahl noticed a canoe being tossed on
the lake. The crew observed the canoe roll over several times and
three people
being thrown into the water. After discussing their options, they
called the Kawishiwi Ranger District in Ely by radio and told them that
they weregoing to attempt a rescue. Dahl kept in radio contact
with Forest Dispatch and the Forest Service Beaver aircraft while Byerly
and Clayton paddled in turbulent waters into the wind. They made
several passes at the people in the water before getting them attached
to the canoe. The fourteen year-old
boy and the adult suffering from the most obvious symptoms of
hypothermia were hauled into the canoe. Dahl had gathered dry
clothing and walked
through waist-high water to have a pack of dry clothing and sleeping
bags on the east end of the lake where the crew and victims had come
ashore. The three people were in dry clothing by the time the
Forest Service Beaver
aircraft arrived.
"They took a calculated risk and put themselves in considerable
jeopardy to help others in a desperate situation. There is no
doubt that they saved lives by their actions," said their
supervisor, Walt Okstad. "We should
reasonably expect employees to assist the public when necessary;
however, they acted above and beyond, swiftly, and with professionalism
and courage."
The three archaeological technicians were also awarded the Regional
Forester's Honor Award in the category of rescue and heroism.
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