STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – A Sterling Heights officer saved a woman after her kayak capsized in the Clinton River over the weekend, police said.
At 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, Sterling Heights Officer Nikolas Bruno responded to the Clinton River in Riverland Park after receiving a report of a distressed kayaker.
When he arrived, he found the woman clinging to a downed tree in the middle of the river. Police say she was visibly panicked and calling out for help. She wasn’t wearing a life jacket.
“Without hesitation, jumped into the river, and navigated over a dam of logs, Officer Bruno reached the distressed woman,” according to a release. “A nearby good Samaritan offered her own life jacket, which Officer Bruno helped the woman secure. He then swam with her back to shore, ensuring her safety.”
The woman told police that she went kayaking with her daughter and niece, and it had been their first time kayaking.
Her kayak got caught on a downed tree in the river and capsized. When this happened, she hit her head and said that she was “barely holding on before Ofc. Bruno saved her,” according to the release.
Police say the woman’s daughter also lost her kayak. She was found safe on a log dam and later rescued by the Sterling Heights Fire Department.
“Officer Bruno, a U.S. Navy veteran, displayed exceptional bravery and selflessness by risking his own life in the rescue,” said police. “His heroic actions reflect the highest standards of duty and commitment to the community.”
The Sterling Heights Police Department said anyone participating in water activities should wear life jackets and have a cell phone to call 911 in case there is an emergency.