We have two new Bus nut heros, they don't think so but we do and so will you.
On wednesday four busses were ready ti leave Midway Campground in the Big Cypress National Park in south Florida on rout 41.
A car stopped at the entrance of the campground for a second. Then speeded of very fast into the lake. The car was a newer chrysler 300. All the windows were up and was floating 70 foot from were it went in the lake and 30 feet of shore. That is when Tom Mason swam to the in 60 deep water with alligators i n the water with a rope and tied it of to the car. John Vickrey puled the car to shore withTom. The person cas unconscious when we got the car to shore. More line were tied to the car in the water and John Car and Tom's Van on land. The car was in 60 foot of water that dropped off very fast.
The Driver of the came two and John broke out the window glass when it started to sink.
Tom and John got the Mans head out the rear door window as the car went under water but still secured to land, part of the trunk and one tail light out of the water. They had the driver all most out when 911 arrived.
TWO GREAT MEN
All Hail! Good thinking & quick execution!
Hip Hip Hurray! for the Heroes!
TOM
I didn't think Tom took me serious when I said Gators don't like the taste of Yankee's. :P
Way to go Tom and John!
These were already two really Good Guys, now we know they are EXCEPTIONAL and HERO's for sure.
Cliff
No doubt you guys saved that person's life! That Shines..............You guys ROCK
Now it just figures that wo of the nicest guys at Arcadia would do something like this! Way to go Tom and John!
Jack
You two are just the best!
This should have been a news story and it certainly reflects well on the folks who indulge in our hobby.
--Seaton
By the description there is no doubt the driver would have died had Tom not got to the car with that rope and the guys pulled it back to shore. When seconds count, you don't have minutes. Of course, some credit has to be given to Chrysler for building a car that didnt sink like a stone. I am amazed it didn't sink faster than it sounds like in the story.
So any idea why this happened? First thing my wife asked was if the guy wanted to be saved... Maybe his plan failed.
Quote from: artvonne on January 20, 2012, 09:41:55 AM
So any idea why this happened?
Apparently a diabetic reaction (hypoglycemia)
Thanks, but neither of us feel like heroes, just doing what came natural. I just hoped the gators weren't gonna try anything natural. And they never told me they were near until later. ;-). (now i remember why they didn't get closer,Cliff, that's probably why John didn't want to swim out being as he's from LA (lower Alabama).
I'm sure most, if not all, of you would have done the same.
Quote from: artvonne on January 20, 2012, 09:41:55 AM
..Of course, some credit has to be given to Chrysler for building a car that didnt sink like a stone...
.. First thing my wife asked was if the guy wanted to be saved... Maybe his plan failed.
Those were my exact two thoughts as well.
Jeremy
Quote from: JackConrad on January 20, 2012, 09:45:34 AM
Quote from: artvonne on January 20, 2012, 09:41:55 AM
So any idea why this happened?
Apparently a diabetic reaction (hypoglycemia)
I told my wife thats what may have happened. But in the description your left wondering. That man is so lucky to be alive, I wonder if he'll ever realize it.
Quote from: white-eagle on January 20, 2012, 05:40:21 PM
Thanks, but neither of us feel like heroes, just doing what came natural. I'm sure most, if not all of you, would have done the same.
I completely resist wearing any of the shirts or hats the FD gave me when I go into town. I dont want the attention. Ive had people say the hero thing when I mention I'm a firefighter, I dont want it. Thats not what I'm doing it for. Sometimes I dont know why I'm doing it. But I aint doing it to be recognized.
But maybe I know why. I remember seeing the Hovercraft near the lake we lived by. The Rescue guys used it to go out on the barely frozen lakes when some moron broke through with his F250. Guys are out there, committed to going out in freezing water to rescue some fool. I remember a new neighbor who moved in next door, He was a Retired Fire Chief from Hollywood. There was a Fire a block away, and a few us gathered over in his yard to watch the flames lick the sky. Someone made the comment our community was a Volunteer FD, and his response was "you get what you pay for". Man, that made me mad. Thats the first thought that went through my mind when they asked if I wanted to join down here. You get what you pay for? What if no one's paying?
This guy would be dead if he was waiting for paid help.
Quote from: white-eagle on January 20, 2012, 05:40:21 PM
I'm sure most, if not all, of you would have done the same.
While I'm certain I would try to do the same if I could, I'm also certain I might not have been able to. I'm not a good swimmer. :o
But you two are certainly heros to one man; the owner of a slightly soggy Chrysler 300! That's good enough for me, so in my eyes, you two are heros.
Nice work guys.... I am still an old school first reponder who doesn't care about , "the lawyers" , and still offers assistance to any other human being who is in a tough spot. I have risked my life many times to help someone in distress, to me it is not a thought process, just instinctive behavior. I don't need a pat on the back , I just hope someone will help me and my loved ones should we be in need. Can't count how many flat tires I've helped folks change, even by just providing "cover " with my vehicle 150ft behind their's to provide cover from the loonies not paying attention. ....My favorite Christmas present was several years ago I handed out the green / dayglo conspicuity vests to the 30 folks in my workplace to place in their vehicles, they all thought I was being "Too paranoid" , over the years since, I have received numerous thanks from folks after they donned the vests on the roadside. I carry a large pouch of lifesaving goodies in my truck for years, since owning my bus , I have space for "everything". A nice strong piece of rope, some tackle and a sharp knife can really make a difference. As was shown above. Again, Nice work guys.
What a story to tell the grandkids someday! Good work guys!
But I have to ask, what do you tie a rope to on a Chrysler 300?
Usually they don't have a hitch or anything. Just a stupid curiosity question.
Dave
i tied it to the driver's side mirror first, and we were able to pull it in to the bank. Then i looped another around the rear wheel spring and another to the front spring. We pulled them tight to my van and john's car. Those held even with 3 of us standing on the door side to get the guy out the window. and until the wrecker came to lift it out.
Great Job Guy's!
I mean HERO'S..
Nick-
Quote from: Charles in SC on January 25, 2012, 06:04:36 PM
I will say that I know nothing about a Prevost. With that said, it is not what you would call "bristol" condition but that may not matter to you. I have a GMC with an 8-71 with a blower/supercharger or what ever you want to call it and a 4 speed. It is minimally converted and that is what I wanted. I tell people it is kind of a big hippie van. Doing rafting I am guessing you want a bus that you do not have to worry when somebody gets in with muddy feet. If it runs and drives good and the price is what you are looking for it may be the bus for you. That is something for you to decide.
Wrong thread, maybe? ;D
I do want to say Kudos to you guys for that rescue! I couldn't have done so, since I can't swim very well at all. You are HERO'S!!!
God bless,
John
Holy Cow!!!
You had a lot of nerve swimming out to the car like that Tom. John, you and Tom are the only reason the gentleman in the Chrysler is alive and breathing air right now. I'm sure he and his family appreciate your efforts!!! Just amazing!
Kevin