Anchorage, AK – Two Alaska State Troopers were recognized Wednesday for extraordinary bravery after risking their own lives to save two people from drowning in separate icy-water incidents earlier this year.
According to the Alaska Department of Public Safety, Gov. Mike Dunleavy presented Trooper Garrett Stephens and Trooper Nathan Hollenbeck with commendations during a ceremony in Anchorage. Both troopers entered dangerously cold waters in May and June to rescue victims who were moments from death.
Trooper Hollenbeck’s lifesaving rescue occurred around 2:30 a.m. on May 29, when he responded to reports of a man struggling in the Tanana River. According to investigators, the man was found roughly 15 feet below a dock, too hypothermic to hold onto safety equipment. After securing a tow strap and lowering it unsuccessfully, Trooper Hollenbeck fashioned a makeshift harness and went into the icy river himself. He kept the man’s head above water for nearly 30 minutes until EMS arrived. Both were severely hypothermic; the victim later recovered.
On June 10, Trooper Stephens responded to an urgent call about a 17-year-old boy drowning in Mat-Su Lake. According to troopers, Stephens ran to the shoreline, dove into 42-degree water, and swam to the teen, who had drifted unconscious and was vomiting water. Stephens used two life vests to support the victim and swam both of them back to shore. Doctors later confirmed the teen would likely not have survived without the rapid response.
State officials said the actions of both troopers reflect exceptional courage and service.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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