FlashAlert
Sweet Home Fire was dispatched to a water rescue at McKercher Park at 4:21pm. Dispatch received a report that a young boy was stuck in the rapids with his leg entrapped and that there were at least 10 bystanders holding the boy above water. Sweet Home units responded from the scene of a motor vehicle crash at the Foster Dam. Civilians at McKercher Park were aided by multiple units from the Oregon Department of Forestry, and deputies from the Linn County Sherrif's Office, as well as units from Brownsville Fire. All of these agencies allowed their personnel to remain on scene to assist for the duration of the rescue, which concluded at 5:23 pm when the patient was finally extricated from the water. This was a complicated and challenging rescue which would not have been possible were it not for the quick thinking and selfless acts of many civilians who were in the right place at the right time and so willing to render aid. The rescue required the work of everyone involved and one lucky little boy went home tonight thanks to a joint effort by so many people and agencies. The patient is doing well and with his parents tonight after being evaluated and re-warmed in the ambulance. Sweet Home Fire would like to extend a very big thank you to LCSO, Brownsville Fire and ODF for your efforts. We would like to thank all of the civilians involved, you have once again proven that our community is full of good people and we are proud to serve you.
We would also like to take this oppportunity to remind people to be cautious when floating the rivers in our area. Please remember to wear a personal flotation device. If you are floating a river, the safest way to do so is with your feet pointed downstream and your toes up. Watch for strainers such as downed trees or other debris, and never float with anything tied to you such as a cooler or other objects.
If photo is available it can be found here
10 year old boy survives a near drowning event at McKercher Park thanks to the efforts of many
