Idaho Medal of Honor Recipient
August 4, 2021

Deputy Camron Killmar
Idaho County Sheriff’s Office

On May 4, 2021, Idaho County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Camron Killmar was on a routine patrol in the Kooskia area.  At approximately 1:00 a.m. dispatch received a report of a vehicle upside down in the Clearwater River along an isolated section of Highway 12.  Deputy Killmar responded to the call within three minutes.  Upon his arrival, he observed the vehicle upside down in the river.  Alone, Deputy Killmar moved down the 40 foot embankment to the riverbank to inspect the vehicle.  The section of the river where the vehicle was located was approximately 60 feet wide and was running high and fast.  The vehicle was partially submerged in approximately 12 feet of water.  Back-up from Grangeville would take at least 30 minutes to arrive.  All of the vehicle’s doors were closed.  Deputy Killmar went into the water and had to completely submerge to open the driver’s side door.  With no visibility, he felt a person in the seat.  He pulled the person out of the vehicle and brought her to the shore.  The person had no signs of life, so he began CPR.  The Kooskia ambulance arrived and took over CPR.  Deputy Killmar then went back into the water to look for others.  There were no other people in the vehicle, but he did extricate a dog.  Tragically, the driver did not survive her injuries.

Through indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and profound concern for the safety of others, Deputy Camron Killmar showed great determination and bravery.  Deputy Camron Killmar’s extraordinary heroism and intrepidity, with danger to his own life above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho law enforcement.