Hero Story

Many individuals know Durwyn J. Chaudier in the small community of Baraga County, but I have the pleasure of knowing him as he is my long-time partner in life. He has such a calming presence, warm heart, and is passionate about his career and hobbies. For a couple years, Mr. Chaudier was a volunteer assistant basketball coach for Baraga Vikings Varsity Basketball Program, until his recent promotion to full-time assistant basketball coach for the program. Mr. Chaudier goes above and beyond for the team that he assists in coaching not just by the coaching role, but ensure kids who need things to participate have what they need. Mr. Chaudier never asks for assistance in gathering those items, he just does it. No matter the cost.

Outside of coaching, Mr. Chaudier is a full-time police officer for the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Tribal Police Department and has been since 2017. On February 8, 2023, Officer Chaudier was on-duty with a fellow Officer, Mark Smith, when they received a "bump" on the radio that two civilians had fallen through the ice on the Bay of Lake Superior. Officer Chaudier and Officer Smith responded to the scene immediately. Upon arrival, they were stopped by a well-known community fisherman, who just retreated to shore after setting his nets, and seen the two individuals in the water. Officer Chaudier and Officer Smith did not hesitate to help in any way possible. Officer Chaudier took off his duty belt, handed it to his superior and was asked, "Are you going out there?" Officer Chaudier responded, "That's what we do."

Officer Chaudier and Officer Smith joined the community fisherman on his boat and proceeded to search and rescue the broken through ice fishermen. The well-known community fisherman was confident in their mission as he was versed in how to "rock the boat" to break through the ice. Officer Chaudier described the incident as worrisome as he believed the two fishermen had been in the freezing water for approximately 15-20 minutes. Officer Chaudier explained that he threw a buoy and rope out to the first sunken fisherman, but failed to connect with him on their first attempt. Officer Chaudier explained that the man in the water expressed his weakness and cold. Officer Chaudier directed the man to wrap the rope and buoy around his elbow and hold on as tight as he could. Sure enough, it worked. Officer Chaudier and Officer Smith were able to pull the ice fisherman aboard the small boat and proceed to find the next.

Officer Chaudier explained that the second sunken ice fisherman had to be 15 to 20 yards away from the first. Officer Chaudier explained that this task was more difficult as the individual was wearing heavy snow gear. Officer Chaudier and Officer Smith navigated the second ice fisherman around the boat to lift him in. Officer Chaudier explained that the feat was difficult as the water drenched clothing on the man added extreme weight making it difficult to manage; however, they succeeded.

Officer Chaudier explained that on their travels back to shore, both fisherman were weak and undoubtedly cold. There were moments the two would shut their eyes in an effort to rest, however Officer Chaudier was concerned and just proceeded to engage with both to ensure they were awake. Alive. Both men were transported to Baraga County Memorial Hospital by EMT. At this time, it is unknown how both are doing, but Officer Chaudier is happy to have saved two lives on the day.

Police work is taxing on the mind, body, and overall spirit. Some calls do not have the best outcomes. Some do and for Officer Chaudier, he was able to note a positive outcome. Officer Chaudier is a team player for this community. From coaching to his police work, he never hesitates to help anyone in need. He does good for good, and never for the glory or recognition. Not only is he my hero, he is a hero for two stranded strangers in Lake Superior.