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Swift-Water Rescue Saves Man's Life

Last updated on Thursday, April 5, 2018

(PUTNAM CO.) - Two Indiana Conservation Officers rescued Damon Fine, 36, of Quincy, from floodwaters of Mill Creek in Putnam County this morning. Fine was clinging to a tree branch in the frigid flood waters after his car had been washed away by the swift water.

Fine placed a 911 call at 6:29 a.m. after crawling through his sunroof onto the roof of his car. An Owen County Deputy arrived and was able to make visual contact with Fine. The deputy reported that the car began to move and was swept downstream and disappeared under water. Fine was able to grab onto a tree branch further downstream.

Indiana Conservation Officers arrived and could see the flashlight from Fine's cell phone which he was using in an attempt to signal his location approximately 200 yards downstream. When Conservation Officers lifted him into their boat he was very lethargic due to the effects of the cold water and was unable to assist in his rescue.

During the 911 call, Owen County Dispatch was reporting that Mr. Fine was beginning to succumb to the effects of the cold water. He was later transported to Putnam County Hospital by Putnam County Operation Life where he was treated for hypothermia.

Fine had been driving westbound on Putnam County Road 1300 South approximately 3 miles east of State Road 231 on the Owen/Putnam County line. Conservation Officers arrived at 6:53 a.m., launched their boat at 7 a.m., and had Fine in the boat at 7:13 a.m.

Assisting agencies: Owen County Sheriff's Department, Putnam County Sheriff's Department, Cloverdale Fire Department, Owen County Water Rescue.

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