San Francisco commission honors three civilians who helped rescue swimmer at Aquatic Park

The San Francisco Fire Commission on March 22 presented certificates of meritorious conduct to three civilians credited with helping save a swimmer swept into the San Francisco Bay.

Public Information Officer Jonathan Baxter told commissioners that on Feb. 21 at about 3:53 p.m. Michael Shanahan was pulled off a pier piling by strong currents at Aquatic Park. Baxter said nearby fishermen Fermin Duran Olvera, his brother Aaron Duran Olvera, and Jennifer Diego Cervantes quickly located a rope, threw it to the swimmer and held the line while one caller provided detailed location information to 911 that helped first responders locate the incident.

Mike Shanahan told the commission, "Aaron Fuhrman and Jennifer, you saved my life," and described hypothermia beginning to set in before rescuers arrived. Chief Joanne Hayes White and commissioners thanked the three youths and their families during the ceremony.

Each civilian received an individually read certificate of appreciation that recounted their actions: locating and throwing a rope, holding the rope against treacherous currents, calling 911 with detailed location information, and directing San Francisco Fire and Police Department units to the swimmer's exact location. The department said those actions helped convert what could have been a recovery operation into a successful, rapid rescue.

The commission also used the occasion to note recruitment outreach opportunities and to encourage young people interested in public safety careers. The recognition concluded with commissioners expressing gratitude and emphasizing community vigilance and the value of quick, clear communication during water rescues.