Wayne State University Police Officer Patrick Saunders (right) recently received the City of Detroit Distinguished Service Award from the Detroit City Council for his life-saving efforts. Also pictured: Sgt. Kevin Claiborne of the Detroit Fire Department

Wayne State University Police Officer Patrick Saunders was recognized by the Detroit City Council for his efforts in rescuing two victims who were in danger of drowning on May 24, 2009. After responding to a report that a child had fallen into a water-filled pit at a construction site, Saunders observed that a man was struggling to rescue the boy out of the pit. Saunders then jumped into the pit to aid the man who was trying to get the boy to safety. While the boy and Saunders were able to get out safely, the man had slipped under the surface while attempting to rescue the child. With the assistance from the responding Detroit Fire Unit, Saunders was able to pull the man from the water and he was immediately rushed to Detroit Receiving Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The City of Detroit Distinguished Service Award honors a person, event or organization for exemplary efforts in community service, military service, or retirement.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students.