Law enforcement body in Rostock, Germany recognizes five individuals for exceptional displays of civil bravery
In the heart of Rostock, Germany, a series of remarkable events unfolded, showcasing the bravery and selflessness of its citizens. On December 10, 2024, a 17-year-old named Darion Heller found himself in a critical situation when he was hit by a car at the intersection of Erich-Schlesinger-Straße / Ziolkowskistraße in Rostock South City.
Darion was trapped under a Ford Focus, which weighed approximately 1.5 tons. Thankfully, Anne Posselt (40) and Kerstin Alter (38), who were driving directly behind the accident vehicle, didn't hesitate to assist. Together with others, they managed to lift the car and free Darion. The combined strength of several people provided medical care until the arrival of the rescue services. Sophie Gerlach (36), an educator at a neighboring kindergarten, acted as a first aider and spoke calming words to Darion until he lost consciousness.
Darion has largely overcome the consequences of the accident, and he and his mother, Yvonn Heller, attended the awards ceremony for civil courage honoring the three first responders. Yvonn expressed her gratitude towards the three, stating that she wouldn't have known how or to whom to express her gratitude otherwise.
On a separate occasion, Ahmed, a five-year-old autistic boy, went missing in Lütten Klein, Rostock, on May 11, 2024. Anna Soiko, a 25-year-old visitor from Würzburg, found Ahmed alone by a pond in Fischerdorf, Rostock. Ahmed had jumped into the pond without warning, and Anna instinctively saved him from drowning. Anna's family believes her finding Ahmed was not a coincidence but meant to happen.
The Rostock Police Inspectorate honours individuals with the "Award for Civil Courage" since 2024 for taking responsibility in exceptional situations and protecting the life or safety of others through their actions. Achim Segebarth, head of the Rostock Police Inspectorate, honoured five individuals for their courageous interventions in exceptional situations. Besides Anna Soiko and Toby Peters, the ceremony recognised actions in preventing bike theft, saving a child from drowning, and freeing an injured person from under a car.
Toby Peters, a 15-year-old student, showed civil courage by reporting a bike theft in Rostock-Lichtenhagen on August 27, 2024. Toby engaged the suspected thief in conversation, allowing police to catch the man in the act of tampering with a 4,500 euro e-bike. Since his experience, Toby has started observing his environment more closely.
The ceremony was followed by a discussion about the tasks of the Rostock Police Inspectorate, and guests had the opportunity to explore its operations. These stories of heroism and bravery serve as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of taking action in times of need.
