Parks Vehicle Removed From Water After Thursday Rescue

TOWNSHIP OF RICHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – On August 1, 2024 at approximately 10:03 pm, Richfield Rural Fire Department along with 8 other agencies were dispatched to North Wood County Park for a vehicle with one occupant who was trapped in his vehicle that was submerged in water and was unable to get out. Automatic aid agencies that responded with Richfield Rural Fire Department were Arpin, Hewitt, Pittsville, Remington, Vesper, and Wood County Sheriff’s Rescue. We were also assisted on scene by the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, Marshfield Ambulance and Nieman’s Towing.

Upon arrival it was discovered that a 64 year-old Parks employee was attempting to close the gates for the entrance to the campground to prevent cars from crossing the Yellow River when the vehicle he was in was swept off the roadway by the fast moving water.

Once on scene Swift Water Rescue personnel rigged specialized rope lines and deployed a Rapid Deployment Craft (RDC) to reach the vehicle. Once rescuers made it to the vehicle they placed a personal floatation device the occupant and moved him to the RDC which was then towed to shore by rescuers on land. Once on land the occupant was evaluated by EMS and was released. All units were clear of the scene just before midnight.

This incident took several trained agencies to develop the rescue plan for this very complex swift water rescue and was executed seamlessly resulting in a successful rescue with no injuries being reported.

We want to remind the public to stay clear of high rising waters that we are experiencing in Central Wisconsin currently. Turn Around, Don’t Drown because more than 50% of flood-related deaths are due to someone driving or walking into floodwaters.

For more information please contact Richfield Rural Fire Dept. Chief Josh Sabo at 715-207-2108 or Pittsville Fire Dept. Chief Jerry Minor at 715-459-7022.

Special thanks to Deb Wolf Brecht and Shane Shober for sharing their photos and videos with OnFocus!

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