WATERBURY, Vt. (WCAX) – A Vermont state trooper is being recognized for her courage. Tpr. Michelle Archer has been selected as one of four finalists from across the U.S. and Canada for the prestigious Trooper of the Year Award.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police says the award “recognizes four state troopers and provincial police officers who have demonstrated bravery, courage, leadership, and professionalism in the previous year.”
Vt. State Police Col. Matthew Birmingham, who nominated Archer for the award, says Archer does not consider herself a hero and has kept her focus on the girl, who made a complete recovery.
“I can think of no one who is more deserving of this honor than Trooper Archer,” Birmingham said in a statement. “At great risk to her personal safety, she swam through near-freezing water, reached the drowning girl and pulled her to shore. Without Trooper Archer’s selfless conduct, the outcome could have been tragic.”
The overall winner of the Trooper of the Year Award will be announced on March 14.
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