SAN ANGELO, Texas — Two San Angelo Police Department officers received meritorious life-saving awards for saving a four-year-old from drowning in a swimming pool earlier this year.
Sgt. Daniel Williams and Officer Garry Hamilton were awarded for exceptional bravery and swift action in saving the child on the afternoon of Jan. 11, 2024.
Williams and Hamilton responded to an emergency call reporting a child missing in the 5200 block of North Bentwood Drive. When they arrived at the scene, the two officers found the four-year-old unconscious and submerged in the pool. Without hesitation, the SAPD says, Williams got the boy out of the pool and immediately began performing life-saving CPR on him. Hamilton later took over life-saving CPR on the child until San Angelo Fire Department arrived at the scene.
"Thanks to their quick and decisive actions, the child was transported to Shannon Medical Center for further medical care," the SAPD said. "Sergeant Williams and Officer Hamilton exemplify the dedication and courage of our police force. Their immediate response and skilled intervention prevented a tragic loss, and we are immensely proud of their actions. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role our officers play in safeguarding the community."
Every year, the SAPD encourages employees to nominate fellow officers for meritorious awards. The nominations are first submitted to the nominated officer’s chain of command for review. After the officer’s chain of command review, nominations are submitted to the meritorious review board who determines if officers' actions meet the criteria for a meritorious award.
The meritorious review board then makes their recommendation to the Chief of Police who then ultimately determines if the officer receives a meritorious award.
