The United States Secretary of the Interior, Secretary Deb Haaland has announced awarding of the Department of the Interior’s Citizen’s Award for Bravery to Cliff McClure, Fire Chief of the Interior South Dakota Volunteer Fire Department.
It is awarded to private citizens for heroic acts or unusual bravery in the face of danger, having risked their lives to save the lives of other individuals.
Chief McClure was involved in a blizzard rescue to save a stranded family on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2016, near the Badlands National Park. The vehicle had become immobilized in a snowbank with a dislodged door, that allowed severe wind and snow to enter the vehicle rendering it useless as an effective shelter, creating a life and death situation.
Chief McClure, along with Badlands National Park Rangers, Daniel Baker and Christopher Mengak, formed a team, that took over three hours of battling darkness, snow, wind and zero visibility before reaching the location of the family.
Chief McClure used his own private tractor to plow through drifts while rangers Baker and Mengak used a track-equipped UTV to follow and transport the family to safety at the Badlands National Park. The Rangers additionally provided emergency care to the family which suffered frostbite to their hands and feet.
When asked about his participation in the hours-long rescue, Chief McClure stated.
“Though I appreciate the recognition from Secretary Haaland, more importantly, it was a true teamwork effort with Badland National Park Rangers, Baker and Mengak, they deserve this award as much as anyone”.
The National Park Service has indicated the Rangers will be recognized for their life-saving actions during this rescue at a later date. Honorees receive a special certificate, medal and citation signed by Secretary Haaland.