Toledo honors Justin Scott Slater with Carnegie Medal after river rescue

The Toledo City Council on Sept. 9 recognized Justin Scott Slater for saving a woman from drowning in the Maumee River and accepted a presentation from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission. Council adopted Resolution 390-25 honoring Slater’s actions, and the Carnegie Hero Fund’s president presented Slater with the Carnegie Medal for heroism.

The resolution, sponsored by Councilman John Hobbs and Council President Hartman, says Slater entered the Maumee River on July 31, 2024, swam about 195 feet to reach a 34-year-old woman who had jumped from a bridge, performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and helped get her to awaiting first responders. The council voted to adopt the resolution unanimously.

Eric Zahren, president of the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, described the organization’s mission and read the commission’s summary of the act for which Slater was recognized. “It’s my honor and privilege to present to Justin Scott Slater the Carnegie Medal for heroism,” Zahren said.

Council members praised Slater during the presentation. Councilwoman Williams said she was moved that Slater “actually cared enough to stop what they’re doing to jump in the water to save a life.” Councilman Hobbs, who introduced the resolution, described the river’s current and the danger of the nighttime rescue and thanked Slater for his actions. Councilwoman McPherson thanked the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission for attending and noted the rescue brought “hope and faith” to the city.

Slater did not make extended remarks at the podium but joined council members and the Carnegie representative for photographs following the presentation. The resolution states the council “commends this act of bravery” and formally recognizes Slater’s award.

Votes and formal action recorded by the clerk show the resolution passed with an affirmative roll call.