SPECIAL COMMENDATION — Nathaniel Rhodaberger of Butler Township receives a commendation from State Police Troop D's Kittanning station for his efforts in May in saving a suspect who had crashed his car and jumped into the Allegheny River in an attempt to flee police. Rhodaberger, an employee of Pennsylvania American Water Co. in Kittanning, unhesitatingly removed his steel-toe work boots and swam out to assist the struggling suspect. The commendation included a tour of the Kittanning station for the Rhodaberger children by troopers, who also allowed the tots to sit in their cruiser. Pictured are, from left, front row: Miriam Rhodaberger, 2; Simeon Rhodaberger, 8; and Silas Rhodaberger, 4, and back row, Troop D Commanding Officer Captain Charles Gonglik, Jenna Rhodaberger and Nathaniel Rhodaberger holding the couple's youngest child, Mara, 9 months; and commanding officer at the Troop D Kittanning station's Lieutenant Eric Simko.

State troopers from Troop D presented Butler Township resident Nathaniel Rhodaberger with an official commendation for his heroic efforts May 20 to save the life of a suspect who leaped into the chilly Allegheny River to escape capture.

Rhodaberger was at work that morning, driving his Pennsylvania American Water truck in Kittanning, when the suspect ran him off the road with police in hot pursuit.

The suspect crashed near the Armstrong Trail along the river and decided to swim across to freedom.

The young man quickly realized he was in trouble and began yelling for help.

That's when Rhodaberger doffed his steel-toed boots and dove in the rushing water to save the exhausted suspect, who he then dragged to the shore.

Police quickly handcuffed the suspect, who faced multiple charges as a result of the pursuit, crash and attempted escape.

The commendation, which was presented to Rhodaberger at Troop D's Kittanning station, included a tour of the station and a police cruiser for his young children.

Pictured in the front row, from left, are Miriam Rhodaberger, 2; Simeon Rhodaberger, 8; and Silas Rhodaberger, 4.

In the back row, from left, are PSP Troop D Commanding Officer Captain Charles Gonglik: Jenna Rhodaberger and Nathaniel Rhodaberger holding the couple's youngest child, Mara, 9 months; and commanding officer at the Troop D Kittanning station, Lieutenant Eric Simko.