Officer Receives Medal Of Honor After Saving Driver From Lake In South Jersey

MEDFORD LAKES, NJ — Officer Jake Tapia was honored by the Medford Lakes Police Department and Medford Lakes Borough Council for saving a driver whose car plunged into the water.

On March 8, Tapia found a car that had fallen into Ballinger Lake.

The driver left the road near the intersection of Stokes Road and Lenape Trail before he crashed around 30 feet into the water.

Temperatures were near 37 degrees outside and 40 degrees in the lake.

Tapia asked for additional emergency resources and jumped in to save the 25-year-old from Lumberton.

He then swam to the vehicle that was underwater and safely guided the driver back to shore.

"Officer Tapia's courage, selflessness, and swift response exemplify the highest ideals of law enforcement and reflect great honor upon the Medford Lakes Police Department, the community, and the profession as a whole," said Chief John G. McGinnis, Jr.

Tapia was awarded the Medford Lakes Police Department Medal of Honor on March 25 for his "decisive actions and bravery."

He was also formally sworn in on the same night after delaying his ceremony by more than a year.

Shortly after joining the force on Feb. 12, 2025, his mother received a "life-changing diagnosis."

The Department chose to postpone the ceremony until she would be able to attend.

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