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Battalion Chief Michael Dentosi awarded Medal of Valor after off‑duty overpass rescue
Summary
Urbandale honored Battalion Chief Michael Dentosi with its Medal of Valor after he intervened March 3, 2026, to prevent a person from jumping from an overpass, physically restraining the person while police arrived and preventing potential harm to drivers below.
On March 3, 2026, the Urbandale Fire Department presented Battalion Chief Michael Dentosi with the department's Medal of Valor for intervening in an off‑duty highway rescue, officials said.
The department's presenter described how Dentosi, driving on I‑835, noticed a person threatening to jump from an overpass and arrived before other fire or police units. "As he approached, she began to climb over the wall," the presenter said, recounting that Dentosi grabbed the person and pulled her back onto the bridge and later restrained her again when she tried to jump, actions the presenter said "prevent[ed] her from jumping" and likely saved her life and protected motorists below.
The award citation emphasized Dentosi's "courage and lack of regard for his own safety," and the department presented the Medal of Valor at the council chambers ceremony.
Accepting the honor, Dentosi offered remarks that included a personal religious reflection. "Honor not the man who can merely save your flesh, but ... the one who can save your soul," he said, adding a faith‑based message to attendees.
The department described the award as rarely given and reserved for exceptional acts. No formal policy actions or votes accompanied the presentation; the event concluded with photos and brief remarks by department and city representatives.
Provenance: Topic introduced at SEG 050 and closed at SEG 076.
