PONTIAC, IL — A recreational canoe ride on the Vermilion River became a water rescue mission for the Pontiac Fire Department on July 27.
According to a news release issued July 28, the Pontiac Fire Department was notified about 11 a.m. July 27 of a person in distress in the Vermilion River beneath the dam at Ladd Street Bridge. Fire department personnel located the individual clinging to the canoe, which had overturned and was caught in the strong current just west of the dam.
The fire department’s water rescue boat was deployed. Police and fire personnel maintained verbal contact with the person while pitching throw bags in an attempt to execute a rope rescue, which was successful and the person was pulled to safety.
Pontiac Medic 2 evaluated the person and reported no serious injuries, the release states.
“I am very proud of our department’s response,” Pontiac Fire Chief Jake Campbell said. “The incident highlights the reason our department has expanded its capabilities in the past five years and created the Division of Special Operations.”
The Pontiac Fire Department urges all residents and visitors to use extreme caution near waterways and to always wear a personal flotation device when on or near the river.
Erich Murphy is a reporter for the (Pontiac) Daily Leader. He can be reached at emurphy@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Water rescue performed as PFD saves canoer on Vermilion River
Reporting by Erich Murphy, Pontiac Daily Leader / Pontiac Daily Leader
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