Saint Cloud honors marine patrol and volunteer after six rescued from sinking boat

City leaders recognized Saint Cloud Police Department marine patrol officers for a May 2 rescue on East Lake Toho that saved six people from a sinking vessel. Chief Doug Gerke described the coordinated response: Marine 1 (operated by Officer Michael McDonald with Officer Shane McDonald aboard) and volunteer Sarafin Heredia reached the scene with guidance from the Osceola County Sheriff's Office helicopter and recovered all six occupants despite rough water and limited life‑jacket use.

Chief Gerke and Mayor Christian B. Robertson invited the officers and volunteer to the podium, showed a video of the rescue, and congratulated the team. Officer Michael McDonald, speaking from the podium, credited community engagement and prior interactions with the volunteer rescuer for the quick collaboration; he said the marine rescue team’s training and coordination with Star (air rescue) and the Sheriff's Office ensured a positive outcome.

Council and the audience applauded the rescuers; Chief Gerke noted the national media attention paid to the incident and stressed the need for safe boating practices, including life‑jacket use.