Shelby County honors deputies who rescued two boys from frozen pond
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Summary
The Shelby County Board of Commissioners presented a ceremonial resolution recognizing Deputies Edward Owens and Israel Mohammed for a Feb. 2, 2026 rescue of two brothers from an icy pond; the commission asked the public to pray for a seven-year-old still in critical condition.
The Shelby County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 2026 presented a resolution honoring Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Edward Owens and Israel Mohammed for their Feb. 2 rescue of two brothers who fell into a frozen pond at Southland Lakes Apartments.
Chairwoman Shante K. Avant invited the deputies, Sheriff Bonner and Chief Buckner forward and described the deputies’ actions as “extraordinary courage, professionalism, and selfless service.” The resolution says the deputies jumped into the frozen water, rescued the children and administered life-saving CPR until paramedics arrived.
Deputy Edward Owens, accepting the recognition, emphasized teamwork: “Sometimes people look at it and say that it's an individual that did something great, but it's usually not. It's a team,” he said. Deputy Israel Mohammed also thanked colleagues and said he appreciated the recognition.
The chair asked commissioners and the public to join in a prayer for the younger of the brothers, noting the seven-year-old remained in the hospital in critical condition. Multiple commissioners offered thanks and praise for the deputies’ actions during brief remarks.
The item was presented as a ceremonial resolution to the board; the transcript records the reading and acceptance of the resolution but does not record a roll-call vote in the meeting transcript.
