Exceptional Service Award Evan Rickerson

Evan Rickerson, 10, who received the Exceptional Service Award from the BOS for saving the life of his friend who fell through the ice in Lake Loring in January. Police Lt. Steve Rubino is second from left.

Fire and Police Department personnel responded to the pond behind 117 Chestnut Drive to assist with a 13yr old male juvenile who had fallen through the ice. Police Lieutenant Rubino, Master Police Officer Humphries, and Fire Marshal G. Thompson were first to arrive. The juvenile was observed in the water about 30 feet from the shore in a hole in the ice about 5 feet in diameter. Lt Rubino and Officer Humphries brought rope from their patrol vehicles. FM Thompson was throwing the rope to the victim but he was having difficulty grabbing it and appeared to be feeling the effects of the freezing water. Lt Rubino slid on his stomach on the ice out toward the victim, who was able to grab hold of the rope and was pulled to safety by Fire Marshal Thompson, Officer Humphries, Senior Officer Cross, Senior Officer Lilley and Officer Reed. Once ashore the juvenile was wrapped in a blanket and officers’ jackets and carried up to the driveway for the ambulance.

The County would like to recognize the patients friend, Evan Rickerson (Age 10) of 208 Colony Point Road for his efforts in saving his friends life. Evan was with his friend but did not go out onto the ice because he knew that it was wrong. When his friend fell through, he was able to stay calm and run to a nearby house and asked them to call 911 for help.

The fact that Evan remained calm, and took the quick and appropriate action of having a neighbor call 911 was instrumental in the saving of his friends life. Evan is awarded the Exceptional Service Award for his participation in the Ice Rescue on January 23.