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LEE COUNTY, IOWA (AP) -- Gov. Terry Branstad presented eight emergency responders with awards of valor for their actions in serious motor vehicle crashes in Lee County and Mason City.

One award given Monday went to Lee County Chief deputy Scott Bonar. He used his patrol car to crash into a runaway truck on Nov. 5, 2010, stopping it and protecting others. The driver of the truck was diabetic and lost control due to health problems.

The second award went to seven Mason City firefighters and police officers for responding to a car crash Oct. 27, 2010. The accident left a car flipped over in a river in blustery weather.

The officers plunged into the water, pulling two people from the vehicle. One later died, but the actions of the responders saved the other person.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Bonar press release

Lee County Sullivan Brothers Award Critical Incident Synopsis.

Date of incident:  November 5th, 2010.

Personnel involved:  Chief Deputy Scott Bonar

On November 5th, 2010, at approximately 7:08 am, Chief Deputy Scott Bonar was leading heavy traffic southbound on Hwy 61, north of Fort Madison.  Chief Deputy Bonar observed a truck travelling northbound in the southbound lanes.  Deputy Bonar activated his emergency lights to get the attention of the driver who was traveling directly at them, in the same lane.

At the last moment, Deputy Bonar swerved his patrol vehicle but the on-coming truck still struck the patrol car head on.  After the impact, the truck continued northbound for approximately 150 yards.  Deputy Bonar exited the passenger side of his patrol vehicle due to the severe damage rendered to the driver’s side.    Deputy Bonar ran to the truck and noticed the driver was slumped down in his seat.  At this time, Deputy Bonar personally recognized the driver as Darrell Richers.  Mr. Richers appeared severely disoriented and asked Deputy Bonar why he was standing outside his truck door.  Deputy Bonar asked Mr. Richers after assessing the situation if he was diabetic and he answered “Yes”.

Deputy Bonar notified 911 of the situation and stabilized the crash scene until medical personnel arrived.

Lee County Sheriff J.A Sholl stated the following:   “What is notable here is that Chief Deputy Bonar placed himself in harm’s way and purposely engaged another moving vehicle so as to protect the citizens of Lee County.  I am proud that a man, the caliber of Chief Deputy Bonar, has devoted his career to the protection of the citizens of Lee County.”

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)