BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
A combination of training, expertise, bravery and pure luck came together on May 22. Because of all of that, a man’s life was saved on the Alabama River by a Millbrook Reserve Police Officer who happened to be riding with another officer.
It was around 4 a.m. when a woman had stepped outside of her home. She could hear someone screaming, and the sound was coming from the Alabama River.
The following information was submitted by Millbrook Police Chief P.K. Johnson:
“On May 22, 2022, at approximately 4:03 a.m., Millbrook police officers responded to the 4300 block of River Oaks Road with regard to a report of a person in distress. Upon arrival the complainant advised officers that she could hear someone screaming for help and she believed that someone was in the river. Officers were able to locate the source of the cries for help. A man was observed in the river, holding on to a log, floating west in the current.
“The victim, a 52-year-old male, was too far from the bank for ropes to reach him. The Montgomery and Millbrook Fire Departments were summoned to the scene, being better equipped to perform a swift water rescue. The victim relayed to officers that he did not have the strength to paddle to the shore and that he could not hold on much longer.
“As additional officers arrived on scene to assist, Millbrook Reserve Officer Michael Bennett, who is a trained rescue swimmer with the United States Marine Corps, assessed the situation and determined that the victim would not likely survive if immediate action was not taken.
“Reserve Officer Bennett removed his duty gear, entered the river and made his way to the victim. He took control of the victim without incident and was able to guide him safely to the shore, where he was treated by Millbrook fire rescue personnel.”
Officers learned that the victim had been fishing near Montgomery when he fell out of his boat and was caught in the current. He told officers that he’d been in the water for several hours, that his strength had failed him and that he was close to drowning prior to being rescued.
Johnson said, “We are extremely proud of Reserve Officer Bennet. After speaking with our officers that were on scene that night, there’s absolutely no doubt that had it not been for Officer Bennet’s bravery, calmness in the face extreme circumstances, and his quick and decisive actions under pressure, this victim would not have survived.”
Bennett relied on his military training and moved to help this gentleman without hesitation or concern for his own personal safety. As a result, this gentleman was able to go home to his family with a fishing story that more than likely won’t be topped.
“We’re proud of all our officers, who each place their lives on the line day in and out to protect our citizens. We have a Reserve Police Officer component within our ranks. They are civilians, who volunteer their time, receive training and ride with and assist our officers on patrol and work alongside our officers at special events for no pay. They place themselves in harm’s way, serving our citizens as a community service. We are extremely proud and fortunate to have people like this serving within our department. Reserve Officer Bennet will be recognized in an upcoming City Council meeting.”
The meeting and recognition of Officer Bennett will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 14 in the courtroom of the Municipal Court Building on Grandview Road.
