OLYMPIA – Three local heroes were honored at the state Capitol on Jan. 24 for their bravery and selflessness.
Gov. Chris Gregoire presented Medals of Valor to Timothy Boursaw, Rick Bowers and Alana Schutt, all of Snohomish County, before a joint session of the Legislature.
The Medal of Valor is awarded to citizens who have put their lives or safety in danger to save the life of another.
Recipients are nominated by their peers and lawmakers from their areas.
Arlington residents Timothy Boursaw, 53, and Rick Bowers, 51, did not know each other before they witnessed a head-on collision on Highway 530 last March. Working together, they saved two men’s lives by pulling them from a burning sport utility vehicle.
Alana Schutt, 22, saved three men from drowning after she noticed their boat sinking from her home on Martha Lake. While her mother called 911, Schutt launched the family boat and rescued the men, one of whom could not swim.
Gregoire pinned all three with silver medals adorned with the Washington state seal and engraved with their names.
“In a time when many would feel it was easier to look the other way, these individuals looked right into the face of danger,” Gregoire said. “You have shown us true heroism.”
Each recipient gave a short acceptance speech.
“The most important decision to make is the decision to react in a crisis situation,” said Schutt, “People’s lives are at stake and every second counts.”
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