Watch: 8 of the most dramatic police rescues of 2024

By Police1 Staff

Each year, police officers across the nation face extraordinary challenges, risking their own safety to save others in life-or-death situations. From teaming up with a loyal dog to rescue a man from an icy lake to pulling a K-9 partner from the brink after a terrifying bridge leap, these stories capture the heroism and quick thinking of law enforcement in the face of danger.

Here we highlight some of the most dramatic and inspiring police rescues of the past year, showcasing acts of bravery that turned potential tragedies into moments of triumph.

1. Video: Mich. officer teams up with dog to rescue owner fallen through ice

A Michigan state police officer and a loyal dog named Ruby are being hailed as heroes after rescuing a 65-year-old man who fell through the ice on Arbutus Lake. Officer Kammeron Bennetts responded to the 911 call and, unable to reach the man due to unsafe ice, enlisted Ruby’s help. Attaching a rescue disc and rope to Ruby’s collar, Bennetts guided her to the man, who grabbed the disc before being pulled to safety.

The man, who had been in the icy water for 16 minutes, was taken to the hospital and later released. Bennetts’ quick thinking and Ruby’s bravery prevented a tragedy.

2. Watch: Texas officers rescue woman trapped in car overturned in creek

Denton police officers Hupp and Lopez were praised for their swift response after rescuing a woman trapped in an overturned vehicle in a creek. The February 27 incident began with a 911 call reporting that a car had driven off a bridge. Upon arrival, the officers located the vehicle upside down in the water and heard the driver honking for help.

Officer Lopez waded into the water, broke the window, and pulled the woman to safety. She was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, and a DWI investigation is underway. The heroic actions of the officers ensured the driver’s survival in a potentially deadly situation.

3. Video: Texas officers save life of choking boy, get a hug in return

Body camera footage shows two Austin police officers rescuing a 4-year-old boy choking on candy. Responding to a 911 call, Officer Jason Wright began delivering back blows, while Officer Dalton Schroeder retrieved a LifeVac device from their cruiser. After repeated efforts using the LifeVac and additional back blows, the blockage was successfully cleared, allowing the boy to breathe again.

The boy’s mother, who had watched in panic as his lips turned purple, expressed immense relief. The officers, ensuring the child was stable, shared hugs and high-fives with him, showcasing the teamwork and quick thinking that turned a terrifying moment into a life-saving success.

4. Video: Fla. deputy saves K-9 partner after he jumped over bridge railing 75 feet over water

A Florida deputy and her K-9 partner, Zeppelin, narrowly avoided disaster when the dog jumped off a 75-foot-high bridge during a felony arrest. As Zeppelin dangled from his leash over the Indian River, the deputy quickly braced herself against the railing and managed to pull the 75-pound Belgian Malinois back to safety in just six seconds.

Neither the deputy nor Zeppelin was injured, and the pair continued their duties as if nothing had happened. Sheriff Wayne Ivey praised the deputy’s quick thinking, calling her actions nothing short of heroic and crediting her calm response with saving Zeppelin’s life.

5. Video: Texas officer on jet ski rescues man, 3 dogs from flooded home

A Houston police officer braved dangerous floodwaters on May 4 to rescue a man and three dogs stranded in a submerged home. Body camera footage shows the officer using a jet ski to approach the nearly underwater residence, where the man passed one dog to safety and then climbed aboard.

After the group reached a nearby rescue boat, the officer returned to save the remaining two dogs, including one clinging to a tree. Despite the challenges posed by days of heavy rain and overflowing rivers, the rescues were completed safely. The officer’s compassion and determination brought a hopeful moment in the midst of Houston’s severe flooding.

6. BWC: Fla. PD marine unit officer saves unconscious man in circling boat

Quick thinking by a Sarasota police officer saved the life of an unconscious man whose boat was circling dangerously in the inner coastal waterway. On May 3, Officer Michael Skinner of the Sarasota Police Marine Unit intercepted the runaway boat, stabilizing it against a seawall before jumping aboard to cut the engine. A bystander also jumped into the boat to assist until paramedics arrived.

Police Chief Rex Troche praised Officer Skinner’s bravery, calling his actions a testament to the dedication of law enforcement in protecting the community.

7. BWC: NYPD cops jump onto subway tracks to save rider as train approaches

Two NYPD officers heroically saved a man who had fallen onto Bronx subway tracks moments before an oncoming train entered the station. The officers jumped onto the tracks after being alerted by commuters, finding the man sprawled dangerously close to the electrified third rail.

Body-camera footage shows the officers lifting the man back onto the platform as a train’s horn blared in the distance. With help from a good Samaritan, the officers themselves climbed to safety just in time. The man was taken to a hospital in stable condition, while the NYPD praised the officers’ quick, fearless actions in averting a tragedy.

8. BWC: Kan. officer, fire rescue save toddler trapped in PVC pipe

A 14-month-old toddler was safely rescued after becoming stuck at the bottom of a 12-inch-wide, 12-foot-deep PVC pipe in Moundridge, Kansas. The creative efforts of a local police officer, who fashioned a makeshift “catch pole” using rope and a smaller PVC pipe, were key to the successful rescue, which took just 15 to 20 minutes.

Despite the frightening situation, the child emerged shaken but unharmed. Authorities praised the swift and effective actions of first responders, turning what could have been a dangerous ordeal into a heartening rescue.