On Tuesday November 19th, 2013 the Macomb Police Department along with the Mayor of Macomb, Michael Inman and WIU President Dr. Jack Thomas honored three Western Illinois Student for their acts of bravery in September. On September 7th, 2013 students Matthew Demetral, Owen Hill and Ryan Brushaber were fishing at Spring Lake. A local citizen stopped and checked on fishing conditions before driving on. The driver of the vehicle suffered a medical event and crashed his vehicle into Spring Lake. Demetral, Hill and Brushaber rushed to the scene, jumped into the water and pulled the driver from the vehicle. Along with another subject, Scott Davis of Milton, Wisconsin they ensured that no one else was in the vehicle. The driver was removed from the water and rescue efforts were initiated. The driver succumed to conditions not related to the crash.
Demetral, Hill and Brushaber demonstrated great courage by taking quick action. They also demonstrated great concern for members of the community in their willingness to assist the citizens of this community. Their selflessness and personal courage demonstrates great character and for these reasons they were honored by being presented a Citizens Award of Appreciation. Pictured below are Brushaber, Hill and Demetral along with WIU President Dr. Jack Thomas, Macomb Mayor Michael Inman and Deputy Chief of Police Eric Lenardt.