Eagan police honors heroes for saving suicidal teen, drowning man

EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) - Two heroes received recognition from the Eagan Police Department for being there when someone needed them most. At a ceremony Wednesday, the chief awarded a boy and an Eagan police officer the department’s Lifesaving Award.

On June 8, 2018, Officer Desiree Schroepfer responded to one of the most intense calls for an officer: a suicidal teen on the ledge of a ten-story building ready to jump. 

“I don’t think I did anything different than anyone else would have done in that same position and really what I applaud is the girl that called out for help,” said Eagan Police Officer Desiree Schroepfer.

Officer Schroepfer arrived as part of the department’s crisis negotiation team. The 15-year-old girl on the ledge, though, didn’t want to negotiate anything. She however, did want the officer to call her friend. That was a crucial moment.

“When she passed over the phone to me, I was able to grab the phone with one hand and grab her arm with the other,” said Officer Schroepfer.

The quick move saved the young girl’s life.  

Also being honored with award was Advaik Nandikotkur. On December 30, 2018, the rather shy, eleven-year-old did something remarkable. 

Advaik had just taken a break from swimming at his apartment complex pool when his father saw a man go under the water.

“He was stretching his hands and legs and then slowly drowning,” said Raghu Nandikutkur, Advaik's Father.

Advaik was the only one in the pool area who could swim and he jumped in.

“He was paralyzed under the water, so he wasn’t moving,” said Raghu Nandikutkur.

Advaik pulled the man up to safety. At first, the man was unconscious and not breathing but after receiving CPR, he survived.

“I was like take him, here you go my job’s done here,” said Advaik.

Not only did Advaik receive the Lifesaving Award, but an anonymous donor sent in $100 dollars, which is what it took to get the modest little hero to crack a smile.