On June 15, 2013, while on secondary employment patrolling the area of Cedar Falls County Park, Deputy Robert Curtis came to the rescue of a couple that was drowning in the water. The woman was trying to teach her fiancée to swim when he started having difficulty. As she went out to help, the man grabbed onto her and ended up taking her under with him. During a foot patrol Curtis noticed the couple having difficulty staying afloat.
After a couple of seconds of struggling the couple began to scream out for help. Disregarding his own safety, Curtis removed his duty belt and entered the water to assist. After making contact Curtis was able to pull them both to the sandbar. Once on shore the man was having difficulty breathing while also spitting up water. EMS and fire rescue were radioed and both arrived on the scene quickly.
For his selfless act of bravery the Sheriff’s office awarded Curtis with his third Sheriff’s office Medal of Valor.
“It’s humbling. It really is. I don’t think I did anything that these men and women in this office wouldn’t have done in my position. I appreciate the recognition. I don’t look for them. I’m just doing a job,” said Curtis about receiving the award.
Curtis’ first Medal of Valor was in 2001 after assisting a fellow deputy with a gunshot wound. His second award came after a hostage situation where several officers were shot and all of the hostages made it out alive.
