May 24, 2020
![]()
First responders arrived to the Huron River, west of South Rockwood, at 3:25 p.m., just 12 minutes after someone called 911 to report the struggling kayakers. Ingersoll, Monroe County Sheriff’s Department deputies and South Rockwood Police Department officers were able to get both kayakers safely to shore within 30 minutes of the initial 911 call. Ingersoll said the kayakers, both wearing life jackets, were clinging to a tree in the river and were unable to swim to shore. Ingersoll climbed down a steep cliff to position himself down river from where the river current was pulling the kayakers. Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies stayed up river and threw the kayakers a ResQ Disc – a device resembling a Frisbee that someone can throw to a person struggling in the water and pull them to shore. |
![]()
“Conservation officers throughout the state are prepared for a busy holiday weekend, with nice weather expected for most of the state and many people looking forward to being outside and enjoying Michigan’s natural resources,” said Chief Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “We are prepared to respond wherever we are needed. Please, always use caution when on or near the water.” Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned state peace officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect residents by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. As Michigan moves through the COVID-19 public health emergency, DNR conservation officers remain committed to protecting and supporting their communities. Learn more about officers’ daily work at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers. |