TEXAS – Scott Ruskin, a United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer and native of Warren County, is being hailed as a hero after saving 165 people during catastrophic flooding in central Texas — his first-ever rescue mission.
Ruskin, who also served as the sole triage coordinator at the scene, carried out the lifesaving effort amid rapidly rising floodwaters and chaotic conditions. U.S. Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem praised Ruskin’s actions, calling him “an American hero.”
“His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the United States Coast Guard,” Noem said in a statement.
A graduate of Rider University’s School of Business, Ruskin was a member of the university’s men’s cross country team. He is originally from Oxford Township and attended Warren Hills Regional High School.
His uncle, John Ruskan, shared, “We are very proud of our nephew Scott Ruskan, helping to rescue 165 people in the Texas floods as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. That’s Steve’s son, SPFHS class of 1978.”
According to his LinkedIn profile, Ruskin currently serves as a helicopter rescue swimmer with the Coast Guard.
