A Coast Guard rescue swimmer is being celebrated as an “American hero” after he rescued 165 victims of the deadly Texas floods.
Petty Officer Scott Ruskan, 26, told The New York Post, “This is what it’s all about, right? Like, this is why we do the job.” He explained, “This is why we take those risks all time. This is why like Coast Guard men and women are risking their lives every day.”
He added that his “main job was triaging, and then my second job I kind of picked up was just trying to comfort these kids and the family members and counselors,” acknowledging that the crisis likely marked the “worst day of their life. They’re in a terrible situation, they have friends and family unaccounted for, missing, unknown status, and they’re looking to me and all the rescuers for guidance and comfort.”
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) honored Ruskan, declaring that he “answered the call of duty without hesitation—saving 165 lives during his first rescue mission” and exhibited “extraordinary bravery and selfless service” that embodies the “very spirit of the United States Coast Guard and the best of what it means to be an American.”
The White House also honored Ruskan, stating, “Scott Ruskan and his aircrew saved 165 lives on their first mission during the Texas floods.”
“From the U.S. Military to first responders and volunteers — these brave Americans remind us who we are,” the White House said. “When disaster strikes, they don’t run from the storm. They run into it.”
