CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. – Deputy Ryan West of the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana Conservation Officer Matt Tholen responded to an accident near County Road 850W south of State Road 26 on Friday, October 29, 2021.
Upon arrival, a passenger vehicle was found submerged to the roof line in the Middle Fork Wildcat Creek with a motorist inside. Both Deputy West and Officer Tholen entered the frigid water to rescue the motorist. Cause of the accident is under investigation.
Rossville School Police Department, Rossville Fire and EMS assisted in the accident.
Clinton County Sheriff Rich Kelly commented on Facebook regarding the actions taken, “I want to recognize the valiant efforts of Deputy West and Indiana Conservation Officer Tholen for entering frigid water to pull a motorist involved in a crash to safety. Both of these officers are a fine example of self sacrifice, stepping into the unknown for the protection of a citizen. Well Done!!! I am proud to serve with the fine men and women in Clinton County and across the State of Indiana.
“Thank you to the other responding agencies: Rossville School PD, Rossville Fire and EMS. Also thank you to the concerned citizens who called 911 to report the crash, allowing our officers to respond within moments of the vehicle entering the water.”
A passenger vehicle submerged in the Middle Fork Wildcat Creek off of County Road 850W south of State Road 26 in Clinton County, Indiana. (Photo from Clinton County Sheriff’s Office)
