Officer comm ended for rescuing dog, owner from frigid Old man River
CONST. DENTON MICHELSON RECEIVES CHIEF’S COMMENDATION
An Lethbridge Police Service officer has been recognized for braving frigid cold and dangerous currents to save a woman who entered the Oldman River to get her dogs off an injured deer late last year.
Const. Denton Michelson received a Chief’s Commendation last week during the monthly meeting of the Lethbridge Police Commission.
On Nov. 29 last year, Michelson responded to a report of dogs attacking a deer in Peenaquim Park.
Upon arrival, he noted two women were in the Oldman River attempting to get control of the dogs. One woman was able to get to shore, and Michelson entered the river and assisted the second woman to get the dogs out of the cold water.
“Given that the current was quite strong, and the water was extremely cold, Const. Michelson’s response helped prevent a bad situation from getting worse,” said Chief Rob Davis.
Michelson said when he arrived on scene, he was able to call one of the women back from the water. The other, however, was across the river and struggling to get her dogs off the deer.
“She was very cold, and she was still in the river, and she screamed for help,” said Michelson. “So I went into the river, helped her get her dogs, and then helped her to shore.”
Michelson said water temperature was just one of his concerns once he decided to go into the river.
“The current was quite strong,” he said. “And I was concerned with the first lady getting swept down the river. With the second, I was worried about hypothermia (as well). There were a lot of concerns there.”
After they were safely out of the water. Michelson sent his GPS coordinates to Dispatch and arranged for another officer to pick them up.
“We weren’t going to cross the river back to get where my car was,” he said.
And while he may have had some reservations about jumping into a freezing river, Michelson said it is part of the job and he would be willing to do it again should the need arise.
“Anytime someone is in trouble and needs help, absolutely, I’ll jump in the river again for them,” he said.
Police advise dog owners to exercise caution when wildlife may be nearby.
They also warn against entering freezing waters.
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