Former Utah State Park Ranger and Kamas resident Joe Donnell was honored at Tuesday’s Kamas City Council meeting for heroic measures he took to save a drowning boy in August of 2022. Mayor Matt McCormick presented the Carnegie Medal for heroism award to Donnell who rescued 9-year-old Paxton Knight from the family vehicle that sank to the bottom of Smith-Morehouse Reservoir. Donnell, after over a dozen dives in 14 feet of water, was able to grab Paxton from inside the vehicle and get him to safety. Paxton recovered completely. Pictured from left: Kamas Mayor Matt McCormick, Joe Donnell, Donnell's wife Kathy.
Hero Joe Donnell, clearly humbled by the prestigious award, shares the medal with the gathering. L/R Kamas Mayor Matt McCormick, hero Joe Donnell, Joe’s wife Kathy and daughter Timber. Some of the other awards and recognitions bestowed on Joe Donnell on display at the Kamas City Hall.
