Kazakh Police Officer's Bravery Saves Village from Deadly Floods

A Village Officer Who Earned Trust: How Darhan Kemeltaev Serves His Hometown

Darhan Kemeltaev, the local police officer in the village of Temirbek Zhurgenov in Aktobe Region, was born and raised there. The villagers have known him since childhood, and they all say the same thing: he is always polite and attentive, never showing disrespect. For many, he has become like family—a man they can turn to with any question, for advice, or for support. He listens to everyone, explains the law, and helps resolve their problems.

Much of Kemeltaev's work involves addressing the everyday struggles of the villagers. If livestock goes missing, he organizes search parties. If neighbors quarrel, he mediates the conflict. If there's an accident on the road, he ensures safety measures are taken. And when animals wander into neighboring Russian districts, Darhan coordinates with colleagues across the border to return them to their owners. For the villagers, this support is invaluable—they know their property is safe, and any issues are resolved quickly and without unnecessary hassle.

"What matters most to me is that my fellow villagers feel supported," says Kemeltaev. "Often, all it takes is noticing a problem in time and showing you care for things to turn out well."

As a local officer, he makes it a point to pay attention to every resident. He keeps a particularly close watch on troubled families, individuals under preventive supervision for offenses, domestic abusers, and those struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. He visits them regularly, holds conversations, and helps them find a way out of difficult situations.

"I worry deeply about these people," explains the police major. "Many withdraw from society and fall into depression. It's crucial to offer support before they harm themselves or others."

Kemeltaev often cites a case from last year as an example for young officers. After work one evening, he went to check on a man under preventive supervision who hadn't been seen for days. Outside the house, the man's wife, in tears, told him her husband was attempting suicide. The officer rushed into the barn and pulled the man from the noose just in time. Thanks to his swift action, the man was saved and taken to the hospital.

From the very beginning of his service, Kemeltaev's guiding principle has been earning the trust of the people. Over his thirteen years on the job, he has never wavered from it. In his view, it is this trust—and his attentiveness to every villager—that fosters a peaceful atmosphere in the community and makes his work as a local officer truly effective.

Colleagues note that the villagers trust Kemeltaev without question. Even in matters technically outside his duties, people prefer to turn to him. And once, that trust even helped him solve a crime.

A Missing Man and a Officer's Courage: The Story of Darhan Kemeltaev

A young man vanished in one of the villages. For days, searches turned up nothing—until a local woman turned to Darhan Kemeltaev for help. She revealed that her brother, while visiting relatives, had witnessed a tragic incident: during a heated argument, one guest had struck another multiple times, killing him on the spot. Overwhelmed by what he had seen, the young man hesitated at first but ultimately confided in the local police officer, sharing every detail. His testimony helped bring the perpetrators to justice, while he himself received the support he needed.

The true test of Darhan Kemeltaev's professionalism came in the spring of 2024, when heavy flooding struck the region. A dam breach near the village of Taldysai sent water surging through the streets of Temirbek Zhurgenov village. Most residents had evacuated in time, but some refused to leave, dismissing the risk of flooding.

"There was no electricity for days," Kemeltaev recalls. "It was especially hard to check who was still in their homes at night. Elderly residents kept returning despite the danger."

As part of the rescue operation, he patrolled the village streets daily, monitoring water levels. At night, he personally led people from high-risk areas, wading through icy water up to his knees and climbing over fences to reach them.

For his bravery and selflessness, the officer was invited to Astana and awarded the "For Courage" medal.

"When I found out I would meet the President, I couldn't believe it at first. I was incredibly nervous," he admits with a smile. "I'm just a rural police officer—I never expected or even dreamed of this. The emotions I felt in that moment are impossible to put into words."

Standing in Ak Orda, the presidential residence, Kemeltaev thought of his late parents, who had always believed in him. The youngest of ten children, he had been their special pride—they celebrated every achievement, no matter how small.

"I imagined how happy they would have been to see the head of state honor me," he says. "This medal isn't just a personal honor—it's a recognition of my entire team's work."

Today, Darhan Kemeltaev continues serving his village, staying close to the people and helping with their everyday needs. Despite a demanding schedule, he makes time for his large family—he and his wife are raising four children. As a devoted father, he teaches them by example: respect for others and responsibility for their actions.