Jasmine Crockett Honors Coast Guard Hero Scott Ruskan with $200,000 for His Extraordinary Courage and Selfless Life-Saving Efforts in the Deadly Texas Flood, Where He Rescued 165 People – A True Hero Emerges in the Face of Tragedy

In the wake of the devastating flood that hit Central Texas, a remarkable story of bravery, courage, and selflessness has emerged-a story that has left the world in awe.

Scott Ruskan, a 26-year-old Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, was thrust into the heart of a deadly flood disaster on his first official mission, and what he did there can only be described as nothing short of heroic.

In recognition of his extraordinary efforts, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett recently honored Ruskan with a $200,000 award, solidifying his status as a true American hero.

The tragedy that unfolded in Central Texas took everyone by surprise, with flash floods engulfing communities, displacing thousands, and tragically claiming the lives of 28 children and many others.

The scene at Camp Mystic, a beloved summer camp, was chaotic and horrifying. As the floodwaters rapidly rose, panic set in. Campers and staff, some as young as 8 years old, were stranded, their lives hanging by a thread.

Amid the panic, Scott Ruskan found himself standing alone as one of the few first responders to this catastrophic situation. Having completed his rescue swimming training only six months prior, Ruskan was about to be tested in ways he could have neveг imagined.

As he set foot on the flooded grounds of Camp Mystic, he immediately realized the overwhelming nature of the disaster. There were по other first responders in sight-he was alone, responsible for saving the lives of over 200 individuals, including frightened children, cold and terrified in the rising floodwaters.

In a raw and emotional interview with Good Morning America, Ruskan described what it felt like to be the sole lifeline for the campers and staff trapped in the flood zone.

“I kind of discovered I was the only person there as far as first responders go,” he said. “So I had about 200, kids mostly. All scared, terrified, cold, having probably the worst day of their life. And I just kind of needed to triage them, get them to a higher level of care and get ’em off the flood zone.”

But what followed was a true testament to Ruskan’s composure, resilience, and unwavering commitment to saving lives. Despite the overwhelming fear that could have easily paralyzed anyone else, Ruskan sprang into action.

He began coordinating the evacuation, guiding groups of 10-15 campers and adults to higher ground and safer zones. Through swift action, he was able to rescue 165 people, many of whom were children who had nowhere else to turn.

Remarkably, Ruskan did all of this while facing the flood’s relentless danger-navigating through treacherous waters and helping those who were physically unable to move on their own. But despite all the chaos and peril around him, Ruskan never saw himself as the hero.

“Those guys are heroic,” he said, referring to the children he rescued. “They were dealing with some of the worst times of their lives, and they were staying strong. That helped inspire me to get in there and help them out.”

The community was left in shock at how someone so young, just beginning his career as a rescue swimmer, could rise to such an enormous challenge. His actions saved the lives of so many, but it’s the way he handled the mission with incredible bravery that earned him nationwide admiration. And now, Scott Ruskan is being recognized for his extraordinary courage with a life-changing honor.

At a recent ceremony, U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett presented Ruskan with a $200,000 award, a gesture to recognize not just his heroic actions, but the immense personal sacrifice and commitment he showed during the most perilous of situations.

“Scott, you exemplify what it means to be a hero,” Crockett stated. “Risking your life to save others, putting the needs of those you were rescuing before your own, and maintaining your composure during such an overwhelming and devastating crisis-today, we honor you.”

The $200,000 award, which is the largest individual contribution made to support any first responder from the Texas flood disaster, was met with tears and applause from those in attendance. But while the money is an important recognition, it’s Ruskan’s selfless acts in the face of catastrophe that will resonate with those who witnessed his heroism.

“We cannot forget the incredible resilience of the children,” Crockett remarked during the ceremony. “These kids, terrified and cold, were the real heroes that day. Their strength is what helped Scott keep going and ultimately save them. And that’s something we should all be inspired by.”

While the flood’s aftermath continues to affect many lives, Scott Ruskan’s actions stand as a beacon of hope. The $200,000 donation will be used to assist Ruskan in his future endeavors, but also as a symbol of gratitude and appreciation from the nation for his bravery and sacrifice. And it serves as a reminder that true heroism often doesn’t wear a cape-it wears a rescue swimmer’s uniform and shows up when the world is in its darkest hour.

For Scott Ruskan, the recognition is not about personal glory, but about making a difference when it mattered the most. He remains humble in the face of the overwhelming praise, continuing to dedicate his life to serving others. And for the families and survivors of the Texas floods, his story is one they will never forget-a story of a young man who rose to the occasion, saving countless lives and reminding us all that, even in the worst of times, heroes do exist.