The Indiana State Police Department recently held an awards and recognition ceremony in Indianapolis. The ceremony publicly recognized the achievements, deeds of self sacrifice and accomplishments that all too often go without the proper recognition. Ninety employees from Indiana State Police Department from around the state were honored. They were recognized for their dedication to service, bravery, and devotion to the department and the citizens of Indiana. Toll Road Post Corporal Peter Bradley was honored with a Silver Star for his life saving effort in 2014.
The Silver Star is awarded for performance in a distinguished manner beyond reasonable expectations. The Silver Star recipient must demonstrate a deed of personal bravery or self-sacrifice so conspicuous that it clearly distinguishes them.
Last August Bradley was off-duty in his back yard on the south side of Knapp Lake in Noble County when he saw a paddle boat with two adults and two juveniles starting to sink. Bradley noticed that neither of the two adults was wearing life jackets and one man was having trouble swimming.
Bradley, a 14-year veteran of the state police, jumped into the water and swam approximately 50 yards until he reached the area where the man had been struggling on the surface. When Bradley reached the man he had disappeared below the surface. The 56 year-old Cromwell man had been underwater for several seconds before Bradley was able to pull him to the surface and swim him back to shore. The other adult and both boys were able to swim back to the shore on their own.
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