Correctional Officer

Department of Justice

9/8/2013

Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor

On September 8, 2013, Officer John Zufall was serving as the “Safety Diver” during an underwater recovery operation in Lake Shasta. Assuming his position at the 100 foot down mark, he monitored the progress and safety of the other diver below him. When the other diver failed to return by the prescribed time, Officer Zufall descended to a staggering depth of 172 feet and located the injured diver. Aware time was critical; Officer Zufall decided to risk the life threatening dangers of rapid ascent from such a depth in order to get the injured diver the medical care needed to save the diver’s life.