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Commission recognizes lifesaving actions by Alley, Campbell

By Ron Sarver posted 07-31-2017 01:07 PM

  

Zac.jpgThe Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Commission has recognized Conservation Officer Jerrod Alley and Boating Educator Zachary Campbell for their lifesaving efforts on Lake Cumberland during a storm in May. The Commission acted on a motion at its July meeting by Ninth District Commission Member Dr. Karl Clinard to recognize and award certificates of recognition to Alley and Campbell that stated the two “went above and beyond the call of duty when they risked their own lives to save the lives of others.”

Their lifesaving efforts occurred May 27 when, after seeking shelter at Conley Bottom Marina from a violent storm, they learned of a family being reported missing in the storm. It was well after sunset and temperatures were falling. Despite observing a low funnel cloud and a bombardment by torrential rain and hail, they returned to the water determined to locate the three missing personal watercraft and their passengers. They located the two young children and one adult and their disabled craft, and returned all to safety unharmed.

The storm registered 74 mph winds and destroyed signs and roof structures at the marina. Winds and wave action snapped steel cables securing a break wall structure. Alley called it the “most severe he’s been in during his 13 years working on Lake Cumberland.”

The original article was posted in the Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Commissioner’s Newsletter, July 2017, Vol. 12, No. 7.
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