Courtesy photo Presque Isle resident A.P. Prophet, left, receives a letter of commendation from Rogers City Mayor Scott McLennan Mayor. Prophet received the tribute for his act of selflessness and heroism from helping save two women who were trapped in a car that was sinking in Lake Huron. Rogers City Police Officer Bruce Collins also received a letter of commendation and will also receive a Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor.

A tragedy was prevented last week because of the quick action and bravery of a Presque Isle man and a Rogers City Police Officer.

A.P. Prophet, who owns Sunrise Gardens and Grains in Rogers City, and Officer Bruce Collins jumped into action after a vehicle crashed into the Rogers City Harbor and started to sink in Lake Huron with two women trapped inside.

The two men rescued the occupants of the vehicle. However, one of the women and Collins needed to be taken to MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena for not life-threatening care.

According to Mayor Scott McLennan, the car drove through the light at U.S.-23, the four-way stop on Third Avenue, and through Lakeside Park before driving into Lake Huron on Oct. 13 at about 10:30 p.m. McLennan said the car may have malfunctioned, but he said the investigation is still ongoing.

The car started to drift away from shore and sink into the lake.

Luckily, Prophet, who is a retired Navy rescue swimmer, heard the splash from the vehicle hitting the water and immediately dove into the lake to rescue the occupants.

Shortly afterward, Collins arrived at the scene and entered the water to help with the rescue efforts. The passenger in the car was able to swim to a nearby boat with the assistance of Prophet. Meanwhile, Collins worked to help remove the unresponsive driver from the vehicle and guide them through the cold water to the boat.

Prophet told Collins that at first glance, he believed one of the women may have been holding a baby. Collins dove underwater and into the submerged car, in the dark and frigid water, to see if there was anyone else to rescue.

Fortunately, there were no other occupants in the vehicle.

On Tuesday, the Rogers City City Council paid tribute to Prophet and Collins. McLennan issued both Prophet and Collins letters of commendation for their acts of selflessness and heroism. Collins will also receive a Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor.

McLennan praised both men and said they both put their lives on the line to help others who were in a life-or-death situation.

McLennan said he suspected Prophet’s military training kicked in and because of that training, and Prophet’s bravery, he helped to prevent a potential tragic ending to the situation.

“He knowingly risked his life to jump in, swim, and to help them,” the mayor said about Prophet. “He didn’t hesitate after he heard the splash. He just jumped right in off his boat and responded.”

McLennan said all of the staff at the police department are well trained for most emergencies, but Collins actions went above and beyond many other emergencies.

“This is the equivalent to running into a burning building to save someone,” the mayor said about Collins. “He didn’t think about himself, he was thinking about the people that needed his help and saving their lives.”