RAPID CITY, S.D. – A South Dakota Mines student-athlete will be honored by the Rapid City Common Council for his heroic actions during a life-threatening crash in Texas earlier this year.
Junior mechanical engineering student and Hardrockers football captain Jameson Mallon-Echols will receive the city’s first-ever Hometown Hero Award during Monday night’s Rapid City Council meeting. The recognition comes after Mallon-Echols helped rescue a teenage driver from a burning vehicle in Houston in June.
According to South Dakota Mines, Mallon-Echols stopped after witnessing a crash, helped two passengers escape, and then worked with another bystander to free the trapped driver as flames spread through the vehicle. The pair managed to pull the teenager to safety moments before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames.
Rapid City officials say they were inspired by Mallon-Echols’ courage and selflessness and wanted to publicly recognize his actions. Council members say the award also reflects his leadership as a student and athlete who has become an important part of the Rapid City community.
City leaders say the Hometown Hero Award is expected to become an ongoing recognition for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary acts of service and bravery.
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