Spanish Fork City recognized two residents tonight for rescuing a man from an overturned vehicle submerged in the Spanish Fork River on Jan. 10, 2025.

The city’s fire chief, Eddie Hales, said Preston and Stephanie (last names not specified in the meeting record) “didn’t think about the danger. They just saw someone in need and they went to action.” Hales presented lifesaving awards and departmental challenge coins at the Feb. 4 city council meeting.

The council’s nut graf: the council and emergency personnel said the pair’s actions exemplify the kind of neighborly courage the city wants to recognize. Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson, a Spanish Fork resident, attended and presented certificates from the governor’s office in recognition of the rescue.

According to Chief Hales, the rescuers encountered the crash on a cold, snowy night. Hales described the vehicle as rolled down an embankment and partially submerged; both rescuers entered freezing water, broke vehicle windows and pulled the driver free. “They put their lives above their own to save another man’s life,” Hales said.

Preston and Stephanie told the council they were at the right place and the right time. Stephanie, who the chief said is also a member of the Unified Fire Authority, said she and Preston worked together to get the driver out and render aid until emergency responders arrived. Preston and Stephanie accepted framed plaques and challenge coins from the Spanish Fork Fire and EMS department.

Henderson said she was proud to be there “as a resident of Spanish Fork” and presented certificates “on behalf of the governor” to the two rescuers. Mayor Mike Mendenhall and council members also thanked the families in the audience and noted the event as an example of community service.

The council paused its regular agenda to acknowledge the awards before moving to scheduled business. No formal council action was taken on the recognition item; the presentation was a ceremonial acknowledgement and did not change policy or city budgets.

The city posted a photograph session after the presentation and moved on to the regular agenda.