The McKinney Police Department and the McKinney Fire Department received recognition for recent acts of heroism in the city of McKinney.

School Resource Officer Maureen Messner received a proclamation from the city during its regularly scheduled  Jan. 5 council meeting for her efforts to divert a vehicle from striking a group of children at Evans Middle School after the driver temporarily lost consciousness.

According to the proclamation, Messner dove through the window of a moving vehicle and worked her way to the floorboard of the car to press the brake pedal. The driver regained consciousness and pressed the gas pedal, dragging Messner several feet before coming to a stop. Messner broke a rib in the process.

Also awarded were members of the MFD who were involved in the water rescue of a McKinney man and his dog. Those awarded include Battalion Chief Kyle Easley, Captains Greg Edwards, Chad Husbands and Brandon Watson, firefighter/paramedics Del Ray Pope, Cory Jones, Micah Maxon, Kris Michael, Jason Newell, Jared Oliver, Kyle Rice, Sean Stephens, and drivers Michael Stokes and Paul Testa.

PETA also presented a Compassionate Fire Department Award to the MFD and the team who came to the rescue of the man and his dog after the pair became stranded in rising floodwaters over the Thanksgiving weekend.

“We have great men and women who are committed to providing the highest level of protection for our citizens in McKinney,” Mayor Brian Loughmiller said. “I applaud the McKinney Police and Fire Departments for their professionalism and dedication in ensuring that our citizens are safe day in and day out.”

For more information about the MPD and MFD, McKinney Fire Department and McKinney Police Department websites.