In an act of quick thinking and bravery, six employees from the Arizona Department of Transportation were awarded the prestigious Medal of Valor after they formed a human chain to save a woman from a canal in Gila Bend, as reported by ADOT. The ceremony, held on Wednesday, honored the technicians for responding to a cry for help and rescuing the individual on the morning of August 6 by using their collective strength and a shovel to pull her to safety. ADOT Director Jennifer Toth praised their selflessness during this event, affirming, "If that doesn’t symbolize their selflessness, generosity and willingness to help others, I don't know what does."
After the rescue, technician John Gardner noticed the woman was cold and gave her his shirt, according to Toth. She expressed gratitude for the team’s assistance, noting that their regular road maintenance work also plays a vital role in public safety. The technicians involved were Antonio Trejo Martinez, Salvador Mata Jr., Larry Ortega, David Robledo, Ray Ruiz, and Gardner. Once the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office assumed control of the situation, the crew returned to their routine duties.
According to the ADOT, the Gila Bend community has recognized the actions of six highway technicians who assisted in a recent rescue. Cameron Mendoza, Gila Bend Highway Operations Technician Supervisor, praised the team, stating, “This team’s integrity, whether it is on or off the clock, is an exquisite example that good people in the world still exist.”
ADOT employees were recognized for their swift actions during the recent rescue, which highlighted their commitment to public service and community safety. Officials noted that their response reflects the department’s dedication to assisting the public both during emergencies and in their day-to-day road operations.
