SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah recognized Tooele County Sheriff Deputy Jeremy Taubman with the district’s inaugural Hometown Hero Award after officials said he helped rescue a man and his dog from icy water.
According to the June 22 Department of Justice press release, Deputy Taubman responded on February 1, 2025, after a man fell through the water at Stansbury Lake while trying to save his dog.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Deputy Taubman faced freezing temperatures, low visibility and stressful conditions, then tossed his department-issued water rescue rope within reach of the man and was able to pull both the man and the dog out of the water.
“Today is an absolute honor for the District of Utah. Deputy Taubman’s selfless and quick actions saved a man that day and saved a family from tragedy and heartache,” U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak said in the release.
Holyoak said Deputy Taubman’s swift response “made all the difference” and called him “an extraordinary example of heroism in our community.”
“I am truly honored to receive the Hometown Hero Award as part of the United States 250th celebration here in Utah,” Deputy Taubman said in the release. “While my name is on this award, it reflects the support, guidance, and trust of many people around me.”
Tooele County Sheriff Paul J. Wimmer also praised the rescue, saying in the DOJ release that Deputy Taubman’s actions reflected the highest standards expected from deputies and showed “quick thinking and steady response.”
The release said the Department of Justice-sponsored Hometown Hero Award is connected to the Freedom 250 commemoration and recognizes extraordinary service in local communities through U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide.