Philadelphia police officers honored for heroism

Deputy Commissioner Kevin Bethel congratulates Officer Derricotte on his award at the Philadelphia Police Department Awards Ceremony on Tuesday. The officers were honored in the Heroes Ballroom at Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5.

Keith Samarco trudged into flood waters dry and came out a hero.

Samarco, along with about 80 others, received commendations Tuesday for exemplary service. The awards, which are handed out twice a year, include honors for excellence, valor, bravery and heroism displayed in the line of duty.

On Sept. 8, 2011, Samarco faced an urban flood: cars trapped in raging flood waters on an East-Germantown street.

With heavy rains mounting, people climbed out of their car windows, clinging to car roofs, street signs and fences.

Samarco entered the 8-feet-deep water and one-by-one pulled out a passenger and carried them to safety.

“Just like another day at work,” he said, “just a little bit harder than the other days.”