LANSING.  The Michigan State Police Board of Awards is pleased to announce that Detective Lieutenant Dale Young of the West Region Special Investigation Division has been awarded the Michigan State Police (MSP) Bravery Award for risking his life to save the life of another person.

On July 24, Young was off-duty at a Lake Michigan beach observing the water conditions; the waves were six to eight feet with a strong undertow.  Due to the extreme conditions, red flags were posted warning people to stay out of the water and lifeguards were relieved of duty.

Young observed a person approximately 60 yards from shore who appeared to be struggling in the waves.  Although it was dangerous to be in the water, Young swam out to the victim to provide assistance.  As Young got closer, he noticed the victim was a young boy clinging to a deflated inner tube.  Young grabbed the boy and began swimming to shore.  Because of the large waves, Young was often unable to determine if he was swimming closer to shore or further out into Lake Michigan.  After a difficult 15-minute swim, Young safely brought the boy to shore.

Upon reviewing the circumstances of this incident, the MSP Board of Awards determined Young’s heroic actions were instrumental in saving the life of the young boy.  He was presented with the MSP Bravery Award at a special ceremony today in Lansing.

Young joined the department in 1979, and graduated as a member of the 96^th Trooper Recruit School.  After graduation, he was assigned to the Sandusky Post.  Since graduation, he has worked at the Special Investigation Division, Lansing Post, Training Division, Newaygo Post, Fire Marshal Division and numerous multijurisdictional drug enforcement teams.  Young has been married for 30 years and has four children.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Detective Lieutenant Ronald Wolter, MET Section commander, (616) 456-4801