Hero officers and good Samaritans who went above and beyond in 2024

While the world can often feel like a discouraging place, there are plenty of people – both those who have sworn to protect and serve, as well as regular citizens – who are willing to go above and beyond for others. 

Here are some examples of law enforcement officers and good Samaritans taking heroic action over the past year. 

Jonesboro Police

Jonesboro police officer rescues child who had fallen through ice into freezing pond in Arkansas. (Jonesboro Police Department)

“I gotcha, I gotcha,” he is heard saying in the footage. 

Soon after, another officer and a fire official arrived and helped Ellison pull the boy out of the pond with a rope. 

The boy was taken to a hospital to be checked for any cold weather injuries. 

“’Great Job’ goes to one of our officers who responded to a call about a child falling through ice on a local pond,” a Facebook post from the Jonesboro Police Department, who shared the video, read. 

“Officer Troy Ellison sprung into action when he arrived on the scene. He quickly located the child, crawled onto the ice, and pulled the child to safety with the help of Lt. Shon Morris and members of the Jonesboro Fire Department.”

A good Samaritan jogger then ran over to help Reyes grab the man’s arms and pull him to safety. 

The man wasn’t hurt in the incident. 

Oklahoma City Police Msgt. Gary Knight told News9, “It’s a real hero type thing when you see an officer spring into action – save someone’s life with the help of a citizen.” 

Fox News’ Michael Dorgan, Maria Lencki, Sarah Rumpf-Whitten and Stephen Sorace contributed to this report. 

You May Also Like
Tesla arson suspect released after lawyer argues detention would disrupt sex-change treatments

Suspect in Tesla arson case released due to potential disruption of sex-change treatments, as argued by lawyer.

A college student who is accused of setting fire to two Tesla…
Diddy makes shock decision as he's offered last-minute plea deal days before his sex crimes trial

Diddy surprises everyone by accepting a sudden offer for a plea deal shortly before his trial for sex crimes.

Diddy has rejected a last minute plea deal from prosecutors on the eve…
Southern vacation hot spot fires back at poor safety rating following shooting: 'Fake news'

Southern tourist destination disputes low safety rating after shooting incident: Calls it ‘Fake news’

Myrtle Beach—a popular, coastal South Carolina city for snowbirds and locals alike—is…
Florida to execute Army veteran who was convicted of killing girlfriend, 3 young children

Florida to carry out execution of Army veteran found guilty of murdering girlfriend and her 3 children

Florida is preparing Thursday to execute an Army veteran convicted in the…
US Department of Education investigating Evanston-Skokie School District 65 for allegations of racial discrimination

Investigation by US Department of Education into Evanston-Skokie School District 65 for Claims of Racial Discrimination

COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) — The federal Department of Education has launched…
Attorneys for family of FSU shooting victim call for transparency

“Advocates for transparency sought by lawyers representing family of FSU shooting victim”

The family of Tiru Chabba, one of the victims of the recent…
When Does ‘Poker Face’ Return To Peacock? ‘Poker Face’ Season 2 Premiere Date, Time, Cast, And More

Find out when the show ‘Poker Face’ is coming back on Peacock! Get all the details about the premiere date, time, cast, and more for season 2.

The Barracuda is back, baby. Which means it’s finally time for the…
Squatting: Alleged squatter Shermaine Powell-Gillard arrested at South Side home, charged with burglary, forgery, trespassing

Alleged Squatter Arrested at South Side Home for Burglary, Forgery, Trespassing

CHICAGO (WLS) — A woman accused of squatting in a Chicago home…
Whoopi Goldberg Thinks Trump Is “Getting Even” With America For Not Supporting Him Through His Tariffs And Controversial Policies: “He’s Angry At This Country”

Whoopi Goldberg Believes Trump is Punishing America for Not Backing Him on Tariffs and Controversial Policies: “He’s Upset at the Nation”

The ladies of The View have accused President Donald Trump of trying…
Karoline Leavitt gives behind-the-scenes tour of White House with surprise appearance from A-list actor who dissed Trump

Karoline Leavitt offers a sneak peek inside the White House, with an unexpected visit from a famous actor who criticized Trump.

An unexpected famous person, who has been openly critical of President Donald…
Minneapolis police arrest suspect in mass shooting that left 3 dead, 2 injured

Minneapolis police detain individual involved in shooting that resulted in 3 fatalities and 2 injuries

A suspect has been apprehended by Minneapolis police in connection with a…
I took Ozempic and now I'll never see my grandchildren's faces again. Please listen to my urgent warning

Ozempic made me lose my vision of my grandchildren. Urgent warning for everyone to hear

Todd Engel had lived with type 2 diabetes for 25 years —…