Ranger Urban Receives UPOA Medal of Valor

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah State Parks Law Enforcement Ranger has received an award for valor due to his involvement in a rescue earlier this year.

Dylan Urban, Park Ranger at Sand Hollow State Park, was awarded the Utah Peace Officer Association’s Medal of Valor on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. Ranger Urban was recognized for his heroic efforts in pulling a driver from a submerged vehicle at the Quail Creek State Park boat ramp in January. 

Ranger Urban’s Medal of Valor was awarded at the 2022 UPOA Banquet and Awards, hosted by Carole Mikita. Governor Cox and Congressman Blake Moore gave keynote speeches. Those in attendance said it was a very moving event.

On January 12, 2022, Ranger Urban was dispatched to the Quail Creek boat ramp when witnesses indicated a man was trapped inside his truck. The truck, which was also pulling a boat, had somehow rolled backward and was submerged in approximately 10 feet of water. With the aid of some bystanders, the ranger was able to break out the rear windows of the truck and pull the man out.

Urban performed CPR on the unconscious man until emergency services arrived and transported him to the hospital. Following the incident, Ranger Urban was treated and released for injuries he sustained during the rescue.

Unfortunately, the man in the truck, identified as Doug Schaerrer from Lindon, later passed away at Intermountain St. George Regional Hospital due to the injuries he sustained. More information about the incident is available here.

The Utah Division of State Parks is extremely proud of Dylan, and we are thankful for the well-deserved recognition he is receiving. Our rangers come to the aid of people in need every day, and when necessary, risk their own safety to assist, protect, and save lives.

Thank you, Ranger Urban, for your acts of heroism.