Two off-duty Crook County firefighters hailed as heroes after rescuing driver who plunged into South Santiam River
SWEET HOME, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Two off-duty firefighters from Crook County are being hailed as heroes after rescuing a driver on U.S. Highway 20 who crashed down an embankment into the South Santiam River near Sweet Home on Saturday morning.
The crash, reported around 11:25 a.m., prompted a multi-agency response that included the Sweet Home Fire District, Linn County Sheriff’s Office, Oregon State Police and ODOT.
The pickup driver was heading east near the Yukwah Campground when the driver left the road and the vehicle plummeted about 30 feet down an embankment, striking a tree before landing on its wheels, sending chest-high water rushing into the heavily damaged vehicle.
Crews soon learned the driver was pinned inside, with water already up to their head.
Two off-duty firefighters – one with Crook County Fire & Rescue, the other with the Ochoco National Forest – were driving through the area, came upon the crash and quickly surmised the driver was in a life-threatening situation in the river, with the pickup considered unstable due to the high water.
“They quickly jumped into action, freeing the victim from the vehicle and ultimately getting them safely to shore,” Sweet Home Fire said in Saturday's Facebook post.
“While we don’t normally encourage bystanders to put themselves in harm’s way, these rescuers were able to use their training and knowledge to make a significant difference in the victim’s outcome,” officials said.
“These individuals selflessly risked their own safety to prevent the victim from further harm, ensuring that the victim was not swept down the river and helping to prevent hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the frigid water,” the agency added.
Responding crews prepared the driver and set up a rope system to bring them safely to the highway and a waiting ambulance. Officials said the victim appeared to have non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to an area hospital for further evaluation.
Sweet Home Fire Division Chief Christian Whitfield told us, "Those guys were crucial in this rescue" and said the agency plans to honor both at a later date.
Crook County Fire Chief Matt Smith told KTVZ News on Monday: "I am incredibly proud to hear that one of our responders while off-duty was there to help. It is a great example of the type of people who are part of our organization. They are courageous folks who are willing to help at any time with only a moment's notice."
The Ochoco National Forest also had a statement to share with us: “The Ochoco National Forest is incredibly proud of our employee who responded without hesitation to help save a life. The Forest asks that you respect his decision to remain anonymous. His actions reflect the commitment to service that defines the employees of the Forest Service—on duty and off. His selflessness and courage are a powerful example of the values held by public servants.”
Sweet Home Fire also thanked other agencies that were initially dispatched but canceled before arrival, including LifeFlight and the Linn and Lane counties’ Search and Rescue organizations.
