Jackson County-Yesterday, shortly before 3:00 pm, a trooper from the Indiana State Police as well as officers from three additional agencies worked together to successfully rescue a Bloomington, Indiana man who was trapped in his vehicle that had been swept off the roadway.
Alexander Ferenczy III, age 68, Bloomington, Indiana initially called 9-1-1 to report that his vehicle has stalled in flood waters on County Road 50 North near County Road 950 East in eastern Jackson County. Trp. Christopher Lockman, along with officers from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Crothersville Police Department, and the Indiana Conservation Officers responded to assist. By time rescuers could arrive, Ferenczy’s 2015 Ford van had been swept off the roadway by the water.
Trp. Lockman, who is a member of the Indiana State Police Department’s Underwater Search and Recovery Team, determined that a water rescue was necessary prior to a rescue boat arriving due to the water rising on the vehicle. Trp. Lockman donned his swiftwater rescue gear and entered the water while connected to a line that was being manned by the other officers on scene.
Trp. Lockman was able to successfully reach the vehicle that was located approximately 300 feet from dry land. Trp. Lockman was able to attach a personal flotation device to Ferenczy and conducted a water rescue carry of Ferenczy, who was not able to walk due to a prior medical condition. Trp. Lockman, as well as the other officers, removed Ferenczy from the water and began administering first aid. Ferenczy was then transported to Schneck Medical Center by Jackson County EMS for further evaluation.
Trp. Lockman was assisted by Deputy Rob Henley, Reserve Deputies Charlie Murphy and Greg Murphy, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Officer J L McElfresh, Crothersville Police Department, and Conservation Officer Blake Everhart.
The Indiana State Police would like to remind people to avoid driving on roadways that are covered by water. A small amount of moving water is capable of sweeping a heavy vehicle off the roadway. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”
-30- SGT. STEPHEN WHEELES
