Shelby County deputies honored for daring ice rescue
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County Commissioners recognized two Shelby County deputies for their act of heroism after saving two young boys from a frozen pond.
On January 30, Deputy Edward Owens and Deputy Israel Muhammad pulled two boys, ages seven and 12, from an icy pond at the Southwind Lakes Apartments in southeast Shelby County and administered CPR until more help arrived.
Deputy Edward Owens and Deputy Israel Muhammad (Shelby CO Commission)
Deputy Edward Owens and Deputy Israel Muhammad (Shelby CO Commission)
The children were walking on what they thought was a solid, ice-covered pond. Deputies say the ice cracked and the children fell into the freezing water.
How Shelby County Deputies Saved Brothers From an Icy Pond
“Without hesitation and without taking great personal risk, Deputies Owens and Muhammad jumped into the frozen pond to reach the children, demonstrating extraordinary courage, quick judgment and unwavering commitment, saving lives,” Shelby County Commission Chairwoman Shante K. Avant said at a county commission meeting Monday evening.
She thanked the deputies for their dedication to the county, but the men said it was a team effort.
“There were more men and women behind me, my partner, and you can imagine. The firefighters, more deputies. Without their help, we wouldn’t have been as successful as we were, Deputy Owens said.”
“First and foremost I want to thank God. He definitely gave us the strength to do everything we needed to do that day,” said MP Muhammad. “I just want to thank everyone here and everyone who’s been involved with us. We’re all one big wheel.”
Southwind Lakes Apartments. Photo WREG.
Commissioner Avant also said a prayer for the 7-year-old who is still in the hospital.
This daring rescue took place in freezing temperatures and limited visibility, but that didn’t stop deputies from risking their lives to save these children.
MP Muhammad, who suffered from hypothermia and asthma at the scene, says they never hesitate to make sacrifices, no matter the circumstances.
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