First responders rescue multiple people in recent days

A combination of higher than normal water levels and a lack of safety resulted in first responders across Parke County rescuing multiple people in recent days. 

On Tuesday afternoon, Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department firefighters and other first responders utilized a rescue boat, drone and hovercraft to rescue three people on tubes who had become trapped in a log jam on Sugar Creek. 

“Due to the rugged terrain and challenging access conditions, locating the victims from land proved difficult,” said fire officials.

Once those three were rescued, officials had to turn their attention to rescuing another five people who were caught in the log jam. 

“As the incident continued, Marshall Fire Department, DNR Conservation Officers, and Montezuma Fire Department worked the creek to assist several other tubers who encountered difficulties navigating the hazardous conditions. Thankfully, no injuries requiring EMS transport were reported, and all individuals were safely removed from the water,” said the Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department on social media. ” This incident serves as a reminder that changing creek conditions, hidden obstacles, swift currents, and log jams can quickly turn a fun day on the water into a dangerous situation.”

Then the Parke County Sheriff's Office responded to another vehicle in the water after being pushed off the road by water at the slabs. 

Sheriff Jason Frazier took to social media to urge residents to wear a life jacket if they are going to be on Raccoon Lake, as well as not attempting to cross the slabs until water levels had gone down. 

"With all of the rainfall we’ve had in the last few weeks, all bodies of water are still up more than normal. Additionally, there are areas of concern regarding debris and downed trees or logs," Frazier said.