August 29, 2018 – Jackson, WI – Some heroic efforts in Jackson helped save the life of a 9-year-old boy who was being washed under the roadway by a strong current following torrential rains this week.
According to Jackson Police at 4:03 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 27 Officer Kyle Henning was on patrol in the area of Green Valley Park when he saw several adults attempting to pull a child from a flooded creek.
The creek runs through the Green Valley property. The child was playing in the floodwaters and the strong current pulled him completely underwater. The boy was not able to free himself from being sucked into the culvert that runs under the service road.
Officer Henning immediately ran to assist three adults. When they were unable to pull the child out Officer Henning laid in the water and wrapped the child in a bear hug.
With the assistance of the bystanders they were able to pull the child from the water.
The child was not injured and return to his parents.
“We are grateful Officer Henning and the citizens were in the right place at the right time and were able to immediately take action to save this child’s life,” said Jackson Police Chief Ryan Vossekuil. “Watching the video of the incident gave me goosebumps. I had the opportunity to meet the 9-year-old boy and his family today and I know he learned a valuable lesson.
“Storm water runoff can be dangerous, unpredictable and deadly. Do not let your children play in it. This situation could have ended tragically but thanks to the good work of Mr. Olson, Mr. Brierton, Ms. Peters and Officer Henning the child is alive and well today.”
The Jackson Police Department would like to recognize the actions of bystanders and they will be recognized during a Village Board meeting in September.