The Bulletin notes

FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin,The, July, 2004

Law enforcement officers are challenged daily in the performance of their duties; they face each challenge freely and unselfishly while answering the call to duty. In certain instances, their actions warrant special attention from their respective departments. The Bulletin also wants to recognize those situations that transcend the normal rigors of the law enforcement profession.

On a wintry day, Officers John Markus and Chris Martinez of the Prosser, Washington, Police Department responded to a report of an automobile that had entered a river. Upon arrival at the scene, the officers determined that because of the snowy and icy conditions the vehicle had skidded off the road, dropped down a 15-foot embankment, and landed upside down in the water, becoming mostly submerged. Without regard for their own safety, both officers removed their equipment belts and ballistic vests, braved the snow-covered embankment, and dove into the icy, muddy waters. After prying the jammed doors open, Officers Markus and Martinez endured the frigid conditions and repeatedly entered the vehicle, removing the victims, which included a mother and her 5-year-old and twin 10-month-old daughters. Unfortunately, the frantic efforts of medical personnel could not save the victims. However, the heroic actions of Officers Markus and Martinez reflected the true reverence they hold for the lives of the citizens they serve.

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Officers Robert Schultz and Mark Krause of the Harvard, Illinois, Police Department responded to a fire at a multifamily residence. Upon arrival, they observed thick smoke and flames coming from the first floor. Knowing that people may be upstairs, Officer Schultz kicked in the front door, but could not enter because of the fire and density of the smoke. He managed to get to the second floor by using a staircase behind the building. Although he noticed that the fire was coming through the floor from the first level, Officer Schultz disregarded his own safety and entered. He assisted a woman with two infants, a man with a small child, and one other person out of the residence. Officer Schultz then continued through the thick smoke, checking every room. Officer Krause also bravely entered the building by kicking in a different first floor door and ensured that everyone was out. The brave actions of these two officers undoubtedly helped save the lives of the residents.

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