Video: 2 Conservation Officers Become Heroes

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — One family is rejoicing today after their 11-year-old son nearly drowned Monday at the Columbus Riverwalk.

Thanks to two heroic game and fish officers who made the rescue.

The Columbus Riverwalk is where hundred come each week to enjoy the outdoors.

But on Memorial Day what seemed as a fun day quickly turned into the unimaginable.

“Myself and office Marc McCleskey were on River Patrol and we were coming up the channel here by the Riverwalk and several kids flagged us down so we turned the boat around to come check it out and,” says Travis McDonald.

“Drove up to the kids on the bank they just told us that somebody that their brother… the kid that was talking said that his brother had drowned and he kind of pointed to her where he had went under,” says Marc McCleskey.

That’s when officer McCleskey stripped his gear and jumped in. After three dives he was finally able to pull the 11 year old to safety with help from a by stander.

Immediately he began CPR.

“He started getting the water back out of his lungs and was trying to breathe,” says McCleskey.

“I relieved Mark and continued CPR and was able to get a breath back on him,” says McDonald.

Now, thanks to these two heroes, the young boy is recovering in a Jackson hospital.

“I don’t feel like a hero. I really don’t I was just glad that they were able to save him,” says McCleskey.

Looking back on the event, officer McDonald says it was no coincidence for them to be at the right place at the right time.

“With my faith and everything I know God put us there for that reason. There is no reason that we were there but him putting us there,” says McDonald.

Both officers hope those who plan on spending time out on the water this summer wear their proper life jackets because you never know what lies just below the surface.

“Right there when those kids were playing it looked shallow then drops off so just being safe because it’s not a swimming pool,” says McCleskey.

Shaquita Williams, the mother of the young boy says her son is talking and answering questions. She also expressed to WCBI her gratitude toward the officers by saying,” Thank you for saving my boy and God Bless them,” Shaquita Williams.

Categories: Local News

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