Keith Samarco trudged into flood waters dry and came out a hero.
Samarco, along with about 80 others, received commendations Tuesday for exemplary service. The awards, which are handed out twice a year, include honors for excellence, valor, bravery and heroism displayed in the line of duty.
On Sept. 8, 2011, Samarco faced an urban flood: cars trapped in raging flood waters on an East-Germantown street.
With heavy rains mounting, people climbed out of their car windows, clinging to car roofs, street signs and fences.
Samarco entered the 8-feet-deep water and one-by-one pulled out a passenger and carried them to safety.
“Just like another day at work,” he said, “just a little bit harder than the other days.”