Water Rescue

Deputies Brave Freezing Waters to Save Life

All in A Day’s Work!

On December 10, 2021, in 40-degree weather, Deputies assigned to the Southern Precinct entered the cold waters of the Bush River to save a 25-year-old woman.

Deputies responded to the area of Flying Point Park Marina at 1:02 pm, after a call to check on the wellbeing of the woman, who is not being identified. Upon arrival, they observed her vehicle, on the boat ramp, partially in the water. Deputies attempted to remove the driver, and only occupant, but were unable to get her out before the car completely entered the water. Once the vehicle was nearly fully submerged, the driver jumped out of the vehicle and into the cold water.

It was at that time, four Harford County Sheriff’s Deputies, Corporal Sanchez, Senior Deputy Mothershed, Deputy First Class Tatum, and Corporal Frederick, made the quick decision to risk their own personal safety and enter the water, to attempt a rescue. After wading through waist-high waters they made their way to the woman who was still in the water. The video below shows Senior Deputy Mothershed bringing her to shore.

The woman was transported by local emergency responders to the hospital for treatment of cold weather exposure and for further medical evaluation. No deputies were injured.
Of the heroism displayed that day Sheriff Gahler remarked, “Deputies put on a uniform and go to work everyday to make a difference in the lives of citizens. I am proud of the work these men did to act quickly and save a life.”