More than a week after a dramatic water rescue at Lake Julia, three Hermitage firefighters have been officially recognized for their bravery.

During the Hermitage Board of Commissioners meeting, Chief/Fire Marshal John Flynn, Captain/Deputy Fire Marshal Lawrence “Casey” Clark, and Lieutenant/ Code Official Adam Prather were each awarded the department’s Medal of Honor for saving a man who had become trapped in a sinking vehicle at Buhl Farm Park.

The rescue happened just after 10:24 a.m. last Wednesday, when Hermitage Fire-Rescue received a 911 call reporting a car submerged in the lake with someone still inside. The firefighters arrived in under four minutes.

Chief Flynn, one of the first on scene, swam to the vehicle and found the driver alive in the backseat, breathing from a pocket of air.

“As soon as I saw the vehicle, I knew we only had a few minutes before it would sink,” Flynn said. “Luckily, I found him and was able to pull him out. EMS was there, and they brought the gentleman back.”

The driver, 54-year-old Gary Keryan of Sharon, was taken to a hospital in Youngstown. His current condition has not been released, but officials confirmed he was breathing when pulled from the lake.

Captain TJ Rollinson, who presented the medals, said the decision to honor the firefighters came quickly.

“They had no support those first few minutes. They had no resources. And they went above and beyond—we recognized that right away,” Rollinson said.

Flynn, who rarely seeks the spotlight, said the recognition meant a lot.

“I don’t like to stand out, but it’s nice that the city and department stand behind us,” he said.

The commissioners also read a public statement of thanks during the meeting, applauding the courage and quick thinking that turned what could have been a tragedy into a successful rescue.