Vermont State Police Trooper Michelle Archer’s courageous act during a chilling rescue at a Cambridge pond in December 2023 has garnered national attention once again. This time, the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission is honoring her with the prestigious Carnegie Medal, recognizing her as one of 17 Carnegie Heroes for her selfless and lifesaving efforts.
On December 17, 2023, Archer responded to a critical situation when an 8-year-old girl fell through the ice of a freezing pond. Fortunately, Archer was patrolling near the area when the emergency call came in. Without hesitation, she plunged into the icy waters, swam to the young girl, and carried her back to safety. Upon reaching the shore, she passed the girl to fellow Trooper Keith Cote, who was waiting with an ambulance, ensuring the child received immediate medical care.
The Carnegie Hero Fund Commission’s latest announcement highlighted the extraordinary bravery displayed by Archer and 16 others from the United States and Canada, all of whom risked their own lives to save others. These recipients are being honored for putting themselves in harm's way to prevent serious injury or death, embodying the spirit of heroism that the Carnegie Medal represents.
Archer’s remarkable actions are no stranger to recognition. Just last year, she was named a finalist for the International Association of Chiefs of Police / Motorola Solutions Trooper of the Year and received the Vermont State Police Lifesaving Award, among other accolades.
Colonel Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police, expressed deep pride in Archer's achievement, describing it as a well-deserved recognition. “This honor from the Carnegie foundation underscores the immense pride Vermonters have in our state police. We are proud of these high-profile awards and equally proud of the countless acts of courage and selflessness that occur every day, often unnoticed,” said Birmingham.
Despite the widespread acclaim, Archer remains humble, focusing on the life saved rather than the recognition. "You don't join law enforcement for accolades; you do it because you’re committed to your community and to keeping people safe," Archer reflected. “As humbling as the recognition is, the greatest reward for me was knowing that the little girl survived and made a full recovery.”
The young girl was one of seven children saved by this year's group of Carnegie Medal recipients, each of whom displayed extraordinary heroism in the face of danger. For more information about the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission and the full list of 17 medal recipients, visit the fund’s official website.
The Carnegie Medal, established by industrialist Andrew Carnegie in 1904, has since been awarded to 10,493 individuals, who, along with their medals, receive a financial grant as part of the honor.