HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Reno County sheriff’s deputy Jeremy Vanwey was recognized during the 40th annual Award of Valor Banquet in Topeka for his efforts to rescue a Buhler teen during last October’s flooding.

Vanwey received the Silver Award for rescuing a 17-year-old teen whose car was swept off the road as she traveled on 82nd Avenue. The Award of Valor Banquet in Topeka honors the men and women who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting the people of Kansas.

Vanwey was dispatched to a vehicle that had been swept off the roadway because of floodwaters. Upon arrival at the scene, Deputy Vanwey observed a small pickup that had been swept off the road into a ditch. Dispatch reported that the vehicle was occupied. There was 1 to 2 feet of water in the roadway and another 3 feet or more of water moving swiftly in the ditch.

The occupant was a minor who had been on her way to school. The occupant was also on crutches from an ankle injury and knew she would be unable to fight the swiftly moving water to reach the higher ground on her own.

Despite not knowing how to swim and without regard for his own safety, Deputy Vanwey assisted the young woman to dry ground.

Sixty-six individuals and unit teams received awards during this year’s ceremony.