As part of the America 250 celebration, U.S. Attorney’s offices across the country recently honored individuals in their respective local communities who have demonstrated the qualities of liberty, service and civic responsibility. These cherished ideals upon which our nation was founded are proven time and time again to endure in the lives of so many Utahns.
Last week, as U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah, I was privileged to present the Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Award to one of Utah’s best — Deputy Jeremy Taubman of the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office for his heroic winter rescue last year of a man and dog from Stansbury Lake.
Recognizing a hometown hero in connection with America 250 is a perfect tribute to our Nation’s founding. Why? Because our country was born from a collection of hometown heroes. America’s forces in the Revolutionary War began as individuals committed to the cause of liberty who joined their local militias; those militias were cobbled together to create the American forces that later evolved into the Continental Army.
One hometown hero from the American Revolution was Colonel John Glover. Glover was from Marblehead, Massachusetts, a small town north of Boston. He led a small regiment of fellow “Marbleheaders” who were instrumental in serving George Washington.
In December 1776, things were not looking good for the Americans. After enduring many defeats, the Continental Army had weakened from 18,000 to just several thousand men, many of whom were barefoot and starving. Washington even confided the dire situation of these troops in a letter to his brother, “I think the game is pretty near up.”
But Washington, trusting the heroes in his ranks, gambled on a strategic decision that is credited for turning the tide of the war. He planned to cross the icy Delaware River to launch a surprise attack on the British strongholds in New Jersey — a brave decision made possible by even braver soldiers and sailors under his command.
Glover’s Marbleheaders were skilled sailors — many fishermen or privateers by trade in their small town in Massachusetts. On Christmas night 1776, they crossed the 1,000-foot-wide river at night during a raging storm. Most of Washington’s men could not swim and if anyone went overboard, it would certainly have meant death. Though challenging for even the most experienced sailors, Glover and his men miraculously transported Washington and 2,500 men across the river without a casualty.
Like Glover, our hometown hero, Taubman, used his skills for a dangerous winter rescue. On Feb. 1, 2025, Taubman sprang into action to save a man and his dog who had fallen into the icy waters of Stansbury Lake. Despite freezing temperatures, low visibility and perilous conditions, Taubman successfully reeled the man and his dog to safety out of the frigid lake.
The Tooele community has suffered several tragic drownings in recent years. But not that day. Taubman’s efforts embrace the service and selflessness of a hometown hero as he saved a man, his four-legged best friend and a community from a terrible tragedy.
Whether it is Glover and the Marbleheaders navigating the icy Delaware, or Taubman’s rescue in the freezing waters of Stansbury Lake, their courage and service represent the best of America. Their heroism is our Nation’s enduring heritage.
In celebrating America 250, we honor heroes, past and present, who inspire and unite us with their love for country, community and neighbor more than self.