Michael P. Schmidt helped to save Alexandra L. Stuart from drowning, Lewisville, Texas, June 6, 2008. Stuart, 23, was the driver of a sport utility vehicle that, at night, accidentally entered Lake Lewisville at a marina boat launch and began to sink in water 25 feet deep. She was unsuccessful in breaking her way out of the vehicle. Off duty, Schmidt, 38, firefighter, was fishing with a friend from one of the nearby docks. Immediately running on the docks to a point opposite the vehicle, Schmidt removed his shoes, entered the lake, and swam about 50 feet to the vehicle, which by then was about half submerged. Unable to gain access through the windshield, which Stuart had broken, Schmidt partially opened the driver’s door. As water filled the vehicle, taking it completely under, he opened the door wide. Submerging with the vehicle, Schmidt reached inside, grasped Stuart by her arms, and pulled her out. They surfaced. Schmidt’s friend, who also had swum out, took Stuart to a nearby wooden pier, Schmidt following. They exited the lake there. Stuart was treated at the scene for minor cuts, from which she recovered.
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81306-9271