Holland Reporter

Yesterday, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-04) presented Gerold Prather, a resident of Kalamazoo, with the esteemed Carnegie Medal for heroism. The ceremony, attended by over two dozen family members and friends, recognized Mr. Prather's extraordinary act of bravery.

The Carnegie Medal is a prestigious honor awarded to individuals in the United States and Canada who risk their lives to save or attempt to save others. Established in 1904, it has been presented to only 10,371 people to date. Mr. Prather's selfless actions in May 2022 exemplify the spirit of this esteemed award.

The incident took place near Sawyer, Michigan, where a 16-year-old boy and his friends found themselves in distress while swimming in the lake. The group had ventured about 100 feet from shore when they began calling for help. Tragically, the boy's friends did not survive, but Mr. Prather, a 22-year-old robotic welder, heard their cries and swiftly entered the lake to assist.

With great determination, Mr. Prather reached the struggling teenager and guided him towards the beach. Despite the challenges they faced, he managed to position the boy on his back and towed him to a point approximately 50 feet from shore. Exhausted, Mr. Prather called out for help, prompting another individual to wade into the water and assist in bringing them safely to the beach. Emergency responders promptly transported the boy to the hospital.

Congressman Huizenga not only awarded Mr. Prather with the Carnegie Medal but also recognized his heroic deed in the Congressional Record. The Congressional Record serves as the official historical account of events, proceedings, and debates in Congress.

Reflecting on Mr. Prather's acts of bravery, Congressman Huizenga expressed his admiration, stating, "Gerold Prather answered the call to save a total stranger at great risk to his own personal safety. It is an incredible honor to present this award to Gerold because he embodies the very spirit of the Carnegie Medal. Gerold's bravery is a tremendous example of how we can make a positive, life-changing difference in our community."

Gerold Prather's remarkable courage and selflessness in the face of danger serve as an inspiration to all. His willingness to put his own safety at risk to save another's life reflects the values of heroism and compassion. The Carnegie Medal stands as a testament to individuals like Mr. Prather, who go above and beyond to make a positive impact on their communities.

Click this link to access more information: https://huizenga.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402759