Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, 26, a helicopter crew member, braved the dangerous waters to rescue dozens, according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. “Scott Ruskin [sic] is an American hero. His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the U.S. Coast Guard,” Noem wrote on Facebook.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X: "United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskin, directly saved an astonishing 165 victims in the devastating flooding in central Texas. This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene. Scott Ruskin is an American hero."

Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Ruskan rescued nearly 200 people including children from Camp Mystic during catastrophic Texas floods that have claimed 68 lives in Kerr County.