Village of Holly, Mi - December 2, 2008

In a brief ceremony in Holly Village Council chambers on December 2, 2008 Officer William D. Hoffmann an 8 year veteran and Officer Stephen D. Pulling Jr. in his first year of service received Citations for Bravery for their unselfish actions on November 17, 2008.

On the night of November 17, 2008 Officer William D. Hoffmann responded with Officer Stephen D. Pulling Jr. to a reported traffic accident in the 5400 Block of East Holly road in Holly Township.

Two Holly men in a truck had lost control on the icy roadway, struck a fence, overturned and submerged upside down in a swampy pond with the men trapped inside. Holly Police units were dispatched to the location to assist with the life threatening situation.

Officer Hoffmann and Officer Pulling arrived within (2) minutes and located the fully submerged vehicle. Without hesitation, Officers Hoffmann and Pulling removed their duty gear and entered the frigid water disregarding their own personal safety to rescue the occupants of the vehicle.

The Officers forced open the driver's door and fully submerged themselves to recover an unconscious victim from the cab of the truck. The Officers pulled the victim to shore and began CPR until North Oakland County Fire Authority rescue units arrived. Officer Hoffmann and Pulling then re-entered the freezing water in an attempt to locate any other victims(s) until they were relieved by Fire Rescue personnel equipped with "cold water immersion" suits.

The courageous actions of Officer William D. Hoffmann and Stephen D. Pulling Jr. despite great personnel risk exemplify the highest values and ideals of the police profession.

Chief Rollie W. Gackstetter said, "Police work is generally routine, accepted with moments that require courageous calm, and a willingness to make a sacrifice for someone else." "The officers stood up to the challenge, the department and the community are very proud of Officer Hoffmann and Officer Pulling. "