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Firefighter Honored by American Red Cross for Saving Boy From River
Capt. Joe Van Haalen earned the Medal of Honor for rescuing a boy from the Des Moines River; two other firefighters also received awards for their roles, the Red Cross said.
- Des Moines Fire Department Capt. Joe Van Haalen was recently named a "Hero of the Heartland" by the Iowa chapter of the American Red Cross for rescuing a 7-year-old boy from the Des Moines River.
- Van Haalen arrived first at the scene where the child was found in the middle of the river; he wrapped a rope around his forearm and lowered himself into the water to save the boy.
- Last month, KCCI reported that Van Haalen was presented the Medal of Honor, an achievement the department has not awarded in more than a decade.
- Firefighters Ben Wafful and Marco Matias were also honored for their critical support during the rescue operation, contributing to the successful mission.
- Reflecting on his decision, Van Haalen told his crew, "There was no way that we could leave him in this predicament." The department remains proud of the team's lifesaving work.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources26
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center24Last UpdatedBias Distribution96% Center
Bias Distribution
- 96% of the sources are Center
96% Center
C 96%
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