Jeremy Hernandez

Jeremy Hernandez has been selected to represent the state of Minnesota due to his conspicuous selflessness and intrepidity in service to his fellow Americans by going above and beyond the call of duty in aid of others.

Jeremy Hernandez of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized for his heroic actions for the courageous rescue of his fellow citizens from a catastrophic bridge collapse. On August 1, 2007, Jeremy Hernandez, a part-time youth worker, was on a school bus with more than 50 children who were returning from a swimming field trip, when the bridge they were on – Interstate 35W – collapsed. The bus while on a section of the bridge landed upright on the banks of the Mississippi only a few feet from the water and a semi-truck that was on fire. As the bus neared going into the water, without hesitation, Jeremy jumped over the seats and opened the back door of the bus. One by one, he unloaded the children and directed them to safety. Jeremy was the last one off the bus. All on board the bus were saved that day, and Jeremy stayed with the children until the parents came to collect their children. His courageous efforts that day saved many lives. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Jeremy Hernandez is an inspiration and credit to the state of Minnesota and to his fellow Americans.


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