Three local residents are being recognized as heroes for helping rescue a Washington County Sheriff’s deputy from the freezing Waters of the English River. Levi Powell of Wellman contacted law enforcement Sunday to report that he and his friends Jeremy Brokaw also of Wellman and Cory Kanagy of Kalona had found a safe lying on the ice. Deputy Brandon Hamilton responded and fell through the ice while taking a photograph. Police say Powell laid down on his stomach to assist Hamilton out of the water, while Kanagy and Brokaw helped the two over the riverbank. The group then brought Deputy Hamilton to their truck to warm up. Hamilton was taken to Mercy Hospital in Iowa City and later released.