BILLINGS, Mont. – The Billings Police Department announced Officer Shaffer was awarded the Medal of Valor for his heroic actions on July 27 at Lake Elmo State Park.

According to the award, Officer Shaffer and Firefighter Bruns responded to a call about a person in distress at Lake Elmo. A witness reported seeing someone in the middle of the lake yelling for help, with CPR being performed on a paddleboard.

Officer Shaffer learned that a juvenile girl had fallen into the water and was struggling to stay afloat. Her father, who dove in to save her, also became exhausted and needed assistance.

Firefighter Sean O'Brien and Officer Shaffer located the victims on paddleboards in the middle of the lake. O'Brien entered the water first, and Shaffer followed with a life jacket and rescue board.

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