IBEW 1245 members and Modesto Irrigation District lineworkers Jimmy Boere and Brian Szuggar were honored by the MID Board of Directors for their heroic actions rescuing a man trapped in a submerged truck in a Modesto canal. Pictured with MID leadership and Board members following the presentation of a Resolution of Commendation recognizing their courage and quick response.
Two IBEW 1245 members, Jimmy Boere and Brian Szuggar, with the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) are being recognized for their bravery and quick action that helped save a man’s life after a vehicle plunged into a canal in north Modesto.
In the early morning hours of October 4, Modesto Fire Department crews responded to reports of a truck submerged in the canal near the 5800 block of Sisk Road. When firefighters arrived, they found an MID employee already in the water, standing on the vehicle and assisting the trapped driver.
According to Battalion Chief Jim Black, the MID worker had jumped into the cold canal without hesitation to reach the man.“He reported the patient was confused and cold. He took off his own sweater to keep the patient warm,” Chief Black said. “Between the fire crews and the MID employee, they placed a life jacket on the patient, then pulled him out and safely secured him on the roof of the truck.”
Firefighters were then able to fully extricate the driver using a stokes basket and ladder. The patient was treated at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital.
When fire crews thanked the MID employee for his heroic actions, he humbly replied, “I saw him there and immediately knew I had to help.”
In recognition of their courage, the Modesto Irrigation District Board of Directors passed a Resolution of Commendation honoringJimmy Boere and Brian Szuggar.
The resolution praised their “extraordinary courage and presence of mind,” noting that both men were performing scheduled outage work nearby when they were alerted to the emergency.
“Their swift actions, bravery, and selflessness exemplify the highest standards of public service and community care,” the resolution states. “Their heroism reflects great credit on themselves, their families, and the District.”
Thanks to their quick response and willingness to act without hesitation, what could have been a tragic event ended with a life saved.