Fallon's Amanda Wolf, a graduate of Churchill County High School serving with the U.S. Coast Guard in Chicago, was recently honored for saving a 2-year-old child who almost drowned.. The Chicago Bears also recognized Wolf for her heroic deed.
Seaman Amanda Wolf of Fallon has been awarded the Coast Guard Achievement Medal for rescuing a 2-year-old girl who nearly drowned in Lake Michigan in July.
The Churchill County High School graduate currently serves with the U.S. Coast Guard near Chicago.
The awarding of her medal coincided with the retirement of U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Dean Lee.
“Very early this Coast Guard birthday, the Service’s 226th, it became evident that the theme would be life saving,” said Patrick Kelly, a Coast Guard photographer for the commandant who wrote of her accomplishment, “I had the great honor of meeting Seaman Amanda Wolf, who recently saved the life of a 2-year-old girl in the Great Lakes. The photo of her administering CPR on the girl, who at the time showed no vital signs, was seen around the world and shined an international spotlight on the Coast Guard’s most humanitarian of missions. She was formally recognized by another legendary figure, Vice Adm. Dean Lee, during his retirement ceremony.”
The ceremony was also fitting because of Lee’s extensive record of being involved with thousands of search and rescue missions. In his remarks he told of the joys and sorrows associated with search and rescue work from telling a family that a loved one had been rescued to lamenting the calls that the crew id their best but it wasn’t enough.
Wolf received her medal from Lee. In addition to the military ceremony, the Chicago Bears football team recognized her before a home game at Soldiers Field in October to a cheering crowd, and she was also invited and attended the annual Coast Guard ball.