Men Who Saved Girl From Drowning Among Sheriff's Honorees

Two dozen ordinary citizens were honored Tuesday afternoon for their extraordinary actions across Oakland County last year.

Sheriff Michael Bouchard presented citizen hero awards during a ceremony at the sheriff's office in Pontiac. 

Here's a look at some of the local recipients:

Bret Miller, Ben Vavra, Michael Zuke

The three Rochester Hills men were applauded for their quick response to a .

On June 29, 2011, they were working as lifeguards at the  when a woman began screaming and a child was found face down in the children’s pool.

"The child was pulled from the pool and upon arrival they performed CPR until the child regained consciousness," Undersheriff Mike McCabe said. "Thanks to them and their quick actions the child was successfully resuscitated.

"They are truly worthy of this recognition and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office appreciates their assistance."

Bradley Hassberger

Hassberger, of Rochester Hills, was honored for the 

"On October 24, 2011 while talking with a friend on the bridge that goes over Paint Creek, he saw a woman having trouble in the water," said McCabe. "He directed his friend to call 911 and then immediately and selflessly went down the embankment, entered the water and pulled the woman to safety. He remained with her and provided first aid until emergency assistance arrived on the scene.

"Thanks to his rapid response, he prevented the woman from drowning."

Phillip Shackelford

Shackelford, of Rochester Hills, is being applauded for assistance he provided when a car drove into his neighbor’s home on Nov. 26.

Shackelford was awakened by a loud crash outside of the home.

"Upon investigating he found that a car had crashed into a home and that both the car and the house were on fire," McCabe said. "When he approached the car he saw that both the driver and passenger were still inside and that the passenger was unconscious.

"Without hesitation he immediately evacuated both parties from the car just moments before the car and house became fully engulfed by fire.

"He is to be commended for his actions and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office appreciates his help."

James Baker

Baker, of Rochester Hills, assisted a woman who collapsed while jogging near his home. .