Mercer Island Police Department officers receive King County Lifesaving Award

Published 12:30 pm Thursday, June 4, 2026

Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) officer Jordan Tranter was proud to be part of a stellar team that brought about a positive outcome in a dangerous situation on Feb. 3 at Fish Lake in Chelan County.

Tranter was one of four MIPD Marine Patrol Unit members who utilized their ice rescue training by helping save a man who fell through the ice that afternoon.

The incident occurred after the locals and members of the King County Sheriff’s Office Marine Rescue Dive Unit were wrapping up their annual one-day training. When they witnessed the man plummet into the ice and then hold himself up in the 35-degree water, the entire 20-person crew sprang into rescue mode, according to MIPD sergeant David Herzog in a previous Reporter story. The approximately 25-year-old man wasn’t wearing a life jacket or dressed for extreme cold weather conditions.

For the roles that Tranter and MIPD officer Shannon Johnson played in the rescue, the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) recently awarded them with the King County Lifesaving Award for their heroic actions, according to the city of Mercer Island.

The city added that Tranter and Johnson’s professionalism, teamwork and dedication to public safety reflect the highest standards of service and commitment to the Mercer Island community.

Tranter — who brought out lines during the rescue — said that he’s humbled to receive the award.

“It really was an instance of being at the right place at the right time. I was already out on the ice approximately 100 yards away from the fisherman when he went through the ice. KCSO and MIPD responded quickly and professionally to rescue the man,” he noted.

The KCSO Instagram page reads that its sergeant said that if the crew hadn’t been on site that the situation could have had a very different ending.

Also during the rescue, Johnson glided a sled — with 300 feet of line tied to the apparatus — to the ice break location where two KCSO officers were located after crawling on their stomachs across the thin ice toward the man. They strapped the man into the sled and he was pulled to the dock by a team of officers. Herzog and MIPD corporal Kelly Robinson also participated in the rescue.

MIPD Chief Michelle Bennett said the department is proud of its officers receiving the award and stressed the importance of continuous training and preparedness.

“The rescue required quick decision-making, teamwork and a willingness to place themselves in a hazardous environment to assist a person in immediate danger,” Bennett said. “Their actions reflect the highest standards of public service and exemplify the commitment that law enforcement officers make every day to protect and preserve life.”

Bennett added that MIPD is grateful to the KCSO for recognizing the officers’ efforts and for engaging in the strong partnership that exists between the agencies.