Purdue Fort Wayne police officer honored with One Brick Higher Award for heroic river rescue

Officer BreAnna Wojnarowski of the Purdue Fort Wayne Police Department on Monday (Jan. 24) received the One Brick Higher Award for rescuing a child who had become trapped in the icy waters of the St. Joseph River.

Chief John Cox of the Purdue University Police Department presented Wojnarowski (pronounced vah-nah-row-ski) with the award on behalf of President Mitch Daniels at the Fort Wayne campus. Members of Wojnarowki’s family were present at the ceremony, as well as Chief Tim Potts of the Purdue Fort Wayne police, fellow officers and other members of the campus community.

The One Brick Higher Award is a special honor at Purdue. It is presented to faculty, staff and students who go beyond the requirements of their role to improve the lives of those around them, increase the effectiveness of the workplace and/or prevent or solve problems. It is given to those who undertake their work with extra vitality, extra care, extra creativity and extraordinary effort.

Wojnarowski was dispatched about 8:30 p.m. Jan. 18 to investigate reports of a child dressed in dark clothing riding a bicycle along Coliseum Boulevard near the Purdue Fort Wayne campus. Upon arrival to the area, she heard screams coming from the river. With some difficultly, Wojnarowski traveled an estimated 45 to 60 yards through chunks of ice, tree branches, and other debris to reach the child and assist him back to shore. Both were assessed by medical personnel on site and deemed to be in good health. After going home to warm up, clean up, and change into a dry uniform, Wojnarowski returned to campus around 11:30 p.m. to complete her 12-hour shift.

“Officer Wojnarowski’s selfless act of heroism — punctuated by her own heartfelt account of actions that likely saved the life of a child in total distress — is the reason why we gathered today to celebrate this historic and much deserved recognition,” said Ron Elsenbaumer, Purdue University Fort Wayne chancellor. “This rescue, which took place in the dark of the night among various obstacles, shines a bright light on the exceptional training of our university’s police officers and their total commitment to the safety and well-being of everyone they serve.”

Cox also presented Wojnarowski with a Lifesaving Award from Purdue University Police Department for her quick and heroic actions.