Conroe Resident Awarded Carnegie Medal for Heroism Following Dramatic Flood Rescue

Conroe Resident Awarded Carnegie Medal for Heroism Following Dramatic Flood Rescue

THE WOODLANDS, TX — The City of Conroe proudly recognized local resident Robert E. Chance as one of only 18 individuals across North America to receive the prestigious Carnegie Medal for Heroism, the highest civilian honor for extraordinary acts of bravery.

Chance, 38, was formally presented with the award by Mayor Duke Coon during the Conroe City Council meeting on Thursday, March 26, at City Hall. The recognition follows Chance’s courageous actions on May 28, 2024, when he rescued a man trapped in a vehicle being overtaken by dangerous floodwaters in nearby Spring, Texas.

During a period of severe weather and heavy rainfall, 53-year-old Jeffrey Jones inadvertently drove his pickup truck into a swollen drainage channel while attempting to exit a flooded parking lot. The powerful current swept the vehicle downstream before it came to rest atop a submerged pipe against a concrete culvert. As water rapidly filled the cab, rising to Jones’ chest, he became trapped inside.

Chance, who happened to be passing by, immediately recognized the life-threatening situation. Seeing Jones struggling to escape, Chance retrieved a hammer from his vehicle and entered the fast-moving floodwaters. Bracing himself against the partially submerged truck, he attempted to break the windshield, but was unsuccessful.

Undeterred, Chance climbed into the truck bed and shattered the rear passenger window. As the water level continued to rise, he guided Jones through the broken window and into the truck bed. The two men then climbed onto the roof and eventually onto the hood of the vehicle, successfully escaping the immediate danger until additional help could arrive.

The Carnegie Medal, awarded by the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission, recognizes civilians throughout the United States and Canada who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save others. This year’s recipients include individuals who intervened in violent incidents such as a mass shooting in Maine and a stabbing in New York, underscoring the remarkable bravery demonstrated by honorees.

Founded in 1904 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Hero Fund has awarded more than 10,500 medals and provided over $45 million in financial assistance, scholarship aid, and survivor benefits to recipients and their families.

The City of Conroe extends its deepest gratitude and congratulations to Robert E. Chance for his heroism and service to others. His actions serve as an inspiring reminder of the courage and compassion that define the Conroe community.