Reclamation is Proud to Announce Mr. Ivan Hernandez Received the Department of the Interior’s Valor Award

Written by: Emily Quinn

Courage, strength and determination are three words that effectively describe Mr. Ivan Hernandez, a Security Guard for the Bureau of Reclamation’s Grand Coulee Dam. On July 4, Mr. Hernandez received the Department of the Interior’s Valor Award from the Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke for his act of bravery toward a stranger in crisis.

On July 13, 2015, Mr. Hernandez displayed these honorable traits in an act of selflessness and determination. He witnessed a vehicle crash into Banks Lake in Washington and quickly moved into action. He dove into the lake and attempted to free the driver from the submerged vehicle. When the victim was freed, he performed CPR until paramedics arrived on scene.

Mr. Hernandez’s quick action and consideration for the well-being of a complete stranger deserve our praise. Though the victim did not survive, Mr. Hernandez went above and beyond society’s expectations by risking his own life to save the individual involved in the crash.

We sincerely appreciate the efforts of Mr. Hernandez, and recognize him as an exemplary representative of our agency. The traits displayed by Mr. Hernandez are those of which we should all aspire to showcase, and we are honored to have Mr. Hernandez a part of the Reclamation family. Well done, Mr. Hernandez!

Published on July 05, 2017