University Police to honor four with Heroism Award

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
April 27, 2009

The Texas State University-San Marcos Police Department will recognize and present the department’s Heroism Award May 19 to four civilians who were involved in the combined rescue efforts of a drowning victim in Sewell Park.
 
They will be honored at the Annual Texas State University Police Department Awards Ceremony to be held at the Albert B. Alkek Library Teaching Theater on campus. The events will begin at 10 a.m. Guest Speaker will be Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo.
 
te University.  On March 20 of this year, the four individuals viewed a motionless victim at the bottom of the San Marcos River in Sewell Park on university property. They jumped in and pulled the victim out from the water and began to provide CPR to the victim until police and Emergency Medical Services arrived. The drowning victim later passed away in the ambulance en route to the hospital.
 
There were approximately 200-250 people in the park at the time of the incident, and these four were the only ones who reacted together to try and save the life of the victim. The honorees are: Phillip Lewis, a 17-year-old San Marcos High School student and Schlitterbahn life guard; Dylan Steve Houser, a 17-year-old San Marcos High School student and Schlitterbahn life guard; Benjamin C. Asmus, a 20-year-old Texas State Campus Recreation employee; and Bryan M.  Mammel, a 22-year-old Texas State graduate instructor assistant.
 
Texas State University Police Department Medal of Heroism
 
The Medal of Heroism is awarded to anyone who has performed an act(s) of courage or outstanding performance under unusually difficult or dangerous circumstances, whether or not in connection with the performance of assigned duties.
 
Media planning to attend are requested to contact Sgt. Daniel Benitez at (512) 245-2821 or email at db24@txstate.edu for proper press credentials and information.