Idaho Medal of Honor Recipient
May 19, 2016
Deputy Korey Payne
Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office

On September 28, 2015, at approximately 12:05 a.m. in Idaho Falls, emergency service personnel responded to an incident involving a vehicle overturned in a canal. The vehicle was almost completely submerged, with a man trapped inside. Upon arrival at the scene, Patrol Deputy Korey Payne immediately jumped into the water, which was 3½ feet deep, to assist in rescuing the victim. Disregarding his own safety, Deputy Payne dove underwater several times (without any diving gear) in an attempt to get into the unstable vehicle through the doors and windows. After several more attempts, access was finally gained through a back door, and the victim was freed from the car and carried onto the bank of the canal.

Through indomitable courage, complete disregard for his own safety, and profound concern for the victim, Deputy Payne showed great determination and thoroughness. Deputy Payne’s extraordinary heroism, fortitude, and endurance, with danger to his own life above and beyond the call of duty, are in the highest traditions of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho law enforcement.

Read Deputy Korey Payne’s Official Medal of Honor Citation >>>