Garretson Fire Department Chief Dan Wagner (left) and Tony Olson of the Garretson Fire Department presented the 2021 Citizen Hero Award to Patrick Duffy of the Sioux Falls Fire/Rescue team.
“I was not there myself for these events,” said Chief Wagner, “but here is the story as I know it. There was a father and son swimming near the Queen Rock out at Palisades State Park, last summer in June. Patrick and his family were also enjoying some leisure time at the park. Well, this father and son got into trouble with the water’s currents, to the point where the father threw his son as far as he could to try to help him get clear of the danger. Patrick saw what was happening at once and acted immediately. He’s been trained in water rescue and he swam out and retrieved the child, and had planned to assist the father as well, but thankfully the man in question was able to get out under his own power. It was a potentially dangerous situation that was averted by good training and quick action. When our Fire/Rescue team arrived on scene, it was already all over, thanks to Patrick. Sioux Falls is lucky to have him on their team. We wanted to present this award to Patrick in person at our annual fireman’s banquet, but because of COVID-19 we had to cancel the ceremony. Even so, we wanted to make sure that Patrick gets the recognition he deserves, and he has our thanks and gratitude.”
-photo contributed by Cody Linneweber
