Engineering Geologist

Department of Conservation

4/28/2006

Special Act Award (Gold)

On April 28, 2006, Dave Longstreth, an Engineering Geologist with the California Department of Conservation and Boy Scout Leader for Ukiah-based Troop 75, was searching for a parking space after dropping off members of his Boy Scout Troop for a weekend “camporee” at Lake Mendocino. While parking, he heard a commotion and saw a vehicle in the lake about 100 feet offshore with two people inside. He realized he had to take action. As a lifelong body surfer, a certified Scuba diver for nearly 30 years, and with experience in free diving for abalone in the chilly, North Coast waters, he dove into the lake and quickly swam to the vehicle. Two men already in the water had succeeded in freeing the driver from the vehicle. Mr. Longstreth headed for the passenger side of the car to help the woman who seemed “frozen with fear.” Just as Mr. Longstreth reached the passenger window, the water filled the car to its tipping point and the car started to sink. As directed by Mr. Longstreth, the woman grabbed his arms and they both went under. Her buoyancy and the last rush of air helped to push her out of the window. Mr. Longstreth guided her up about eight feet to the surface and then brought her to shore then swam back out to bring in the husband, who was treading water with his two rescuers. After being assured that no one else was in the car, Mr. Longstreth saw a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers emergency vehicle and knew they were in good hands. He left the scene without learning the names of the people he had saved, nor did they learn his. It was only months later that word about his rescue finally surfaced. Mr. Longstreth showed incredible resolve and professionalism in the face of danger and he didn’t hesitate to respond and assist in the rescue of these two individuals.