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Subscribe to RSSPrisoners working in a nearby park helped save three boys whose kayak overturned in a Washington state creek, fire officials said Thursday.
Three brothers -- ages 8, 10 and 16 -- were floating down Salmon Creek near Salmon Creek Regional Park Wednesday afternoon when their kayak overturned, Clark County Fire District 6 Chief Jerry Green told NBC News. The park is in Washington state just north of Portland, Ore.
Ten prison inmates from the Larch Corrections Center near Yacolt, Wash., were doing park maintenance when they heard screams for help and responded quickly, fire officials told The Columbian newspaper in Vancouver, Wash.
Inmate Nelson Pettis, 37, jumped into the strong current, floating downstream until he could grab the two younger boys and help them to a pile of floating debris, according to the newspaper.
"I don't think I was thinking at all," Pettis told The Columbian. "I was just really concentrating on getting them to safety."
Inmate Larry Bohn, 29, helped Pettis with the rescue: "They (the boys) were saying thank you repeatedly. They just seemed really scared," he told the newspaper.
The 16-year-old boy was able to swim to shore, Green told NBC News.
Inmate Jon Fowler, 28, waited for the rescue team to arrive and helped them inflate their rescue boat, The Columbian reported. Members of the Vancouver, Wash., Fire Department and Clark County Fire District 6 were part of the rescue team.
The water was "very cold" and estimated to be moving at 25 mph, Green said. The brothers were treated for mild hypothermia, but otherwise there were no other injuries, he said. Two of the inmates were also treated for hypothermia, Portland, Ore., NBC affiliate KGW reported.
Bohn and Pettis reportedly had taken off their shirts, wrapping them around the kids to keep them warm, The Columbian reported.
The boys' names were not released.
Green said he was "extremely impressed" with the prisoners' efforts and the fact that they jeopardized their safety.
"(They) stepped up and did what was the right thing to do," Green said.
"I don't think we're heroes by any means," inmate Fowler told The Columbian. "I think we just did what any good person would do."
Nancy Simmons, a spokesperson for the Larch Corrections Center, told NBC News the brothers want to thank the inmates who helped and a meeting with their family is in the works.
This correction facility houses inmates who are not there for violent crimes and who generally have four years or less left on their sentences, Simmons said.
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The population of American prisoners represent 25% of the worlds prison population if I am not mistaken. We incarcerate 25% of the worlds prison population and yet our country represents only a small percentage of the world's population. I believe it is one in four minorities has a felony conviction. That means one in four no longer has the right to vote. Why is there a connection there.
The number of prisoners in the US skyrocketed in the 80's when mental health facilities were closed under the Reagan Administration and countless mentally ill found no housing and no assistance available from the public. The facilities were closed with no efforts to provide alternative services.
The majority of those in prison are in prison on drug related charges.
In my state in Oklahoma we now have Drug Court and Mental Health Court which provide alternatives for those with drug problems, those with mental illness, or dual diagnosis.
Many mentally ill become dependent on drugs to ease their symptoms.
I hope someday soon we can lower the number of prisoners who face years and years in and out of prison, I hope we can find it not ethical but cost effective to put those who need help in rehab clinics rather than prisons.
Mental Illness was once a taboo to discuss. I hope we can change so many things in our society and sometimes it takes the bravery of men like this to show us the potential and the humanity of those we sometimes to easily let slip away.
The population of American prisoners represent 25% of the worlds prison population
And the point is? Some countries release muders after 15 years of a life sentence, some countries mean death when the sentence is death, some countries are so corrupt you can buy early release, etc.. Maybe the figure just represents an more honest justice system?
one in four minorities has a felony conviction. That means one in four no longer has the right to vote.
And the point is? All that indicates is one in four minorities commit a crime. And no its not societies fault, nothing is so simple. The welfare state traps them financially, the value of education is lacking in the culture, the welfare state has broken down the family unit, those who are able to break the cycle face a "new economy" that forgot to include jobs. The list goes on and on but what it boils down to is that anyone who cant read or write, understand and speak english, count to 11 without taking off shoes, never learned a work ethic, never learned respect for themselves or others, believes the "government" owes them free money is not going to have much luck earning a living with the few jobs the welfare state left and so will tend to think crime is a viable career option. As far as the vote thing ... thats a consequence of the crime, gee who would have thunk.
The number of prisoners in the US skyrocketed in the 80's when mental health facilities were closed under the Reagan
Yeah I remember that. The ACLU, in its great wisdom, figured it violated the rights of the mentally challngedto be in supervised mental facilities and so tens of thousands had to be released. With empty facilities they closed. Meanwhile medication was not taken, unable to work, no where to go... surprise!! crime increase. Its easier to self medicate (and much more pleasurable) than try to maintain a regimen of doctors, prescriptions etc.
I hope someday we can break the trap of the Nanny-State, recreate a healthy economy with jobs that create wealth rather than just pass it around, be able to afford real help for the few truly disabled either mentally or psychically, get individuals back to valuing education, respect for themselves and others. Self-respect, self reliance, hope for the future. All the things a slave of the welfare state loses.
Dennis - in California a man named Regan was governor. He didn't think the state should have to have as many mental health facilities as it did so he had them all shut down, the mentally ill were released with little or no support/supervision. Many ended up on the street, homeless, or in prison. Oh and I dont think Regan was ever in the ACLU.
ANd Regan when president also decided that parents could not refuse treatement for a seriously ill child, this child was going to die anyway some DOcs wanted to prolong the childs life via surgery, the parents opeted for pallative care - Regans govt took the parents to sourt and trued to take the kid away, I would personally call that the NANNY STATE in action.
You're right - most inmates are in there due to drugs. Prisons are big for-profit businesses. Because of the profitability, I wonder if pot will ever be legalized in this country - if that happens, the prisons will be less full and less profitable. I have familiarity with the prison system due to a relative. I went to criminal court with my relative and watched the preceding cases. I was shocked when the judge sent one guy, who really seemed to be trying, back to jail! The problem with the defendant is he lacked transportation and apparently missed an appointment. I felt so bad for the guy knowing he would now lose his job and his home for being sent back to the big house.
JerseyCat - the three strikes rule in California was pushed by the Prison Industry and Guards Union. They presented it as a crime prevention program but it really was all about $$$$.
Hollykb - that figures. When my nephew was released from rehab, he was required to go to group counseling that he had to pay for as well as narcotics anonymous(I think that's what it's called). When he was in rehab, he had to pay for that too - they were all required to get a job within a certain time period, while in rehab, to pay for their room and board. In FL, they also have to do a lot of community service - many hours. You see them on the road picking up trash in orange jumpsuits. My nephew did a lot of grass cutting. He was a trusty. One of my nephew's friends had probation in two counties - Pinellas and Hillsborough, and I don't know how he managed to do all those hours of community service, but he did - he also lived at my home along with my nephew. Rehab costs money, as does counseling and court costs, etc. The whole system is nothing but a big money maker. At least my nephew and his friend are free of drugs. His friend got religion, got married and has become quite a preacher.
It was NOT the ACLU. I stopped reading at that point. You cannot rewrite history on that IT WAS Reagan's Administration and it left the states overwhelmed to this day. I read neo-con in everything you are saying and I hesitate responding. You turn facts and history..and refer to welfare,,,,and I wont bother with you. But you cannot rewrite history. You words are falling on deaf ears. You are speaking for your own satisfaction and you will not consider what I say.
And furthermore the connection I was attempting to make is why just because a person has committed a felony does he lose the right to vote...to have representation. They had something similar in the south in the sixties different gimmicks to keep African American's from voting. Grand parents had to be American citizen's. Reading requirements, ect. In my opinion incarcerating mostly minoriteies and removing their right is the same thing. It is called Jim Crow Laws and was not created by the ACLU.
I mean really where the heck did you get that asinine connection. In one swoop you eliminated any responsibility from good ol' Reagan and dropped it on your favorite little kick toy the ACLU.
Got to give it to those guys. They risked their lives to save those three kids. I know many are saying but who cares they are just criminals. I bet those three kids and their family are not thinking that, and it seems many here to. Hope they get some recognition for their bravery. Some time off their sentences would be but a small thing considering their are now three boys who can live another day due to what they did.
They definately should hold out for (and deserve) an extra pudding-cup.
4 years or less in prison? Hope they receive a pardon and let go early they to need a second chance..
They will have their second chance once they serve their sentence.
Dennis I get your point- before we assume they are on the front end of their sentances lets qualify your answer a little. They may already have served 80% of their sentance, we dont know all we know is the facility is for non violent offenders who have 4 or fewer years LEFT on their sentance. In this case what I would like to see is the governor look at time served, crime committed, etc, and if a short time is left let them out with the promise of a full pardon if they do not re-offend in 5 years, and if they have a lot of time left decide how much they should serve and make the same commitments.
And Dennis - in our current society these guys will go to apply for a job the employer will run a computerized backgorund check and they will come up as conviceted felons, no where will there be any onfo on these acts. The employer will than most likely not hire them. These guys could be great workers, maybe even well educated, but because of a conviction record they have little chance of meaningful employment. Before you jump down my throat for being a liberal bleeding heart - I firmly believe ECONOMIC and VIOLENT offenses should follow a former convict for ever, but if the offense is a minor drug offense, DUI, etc - something not against people or property - than at some point records should be cleared if the offender does not re-offend.
hollykb - you are right on point. If you even have an arrest record and even if non-adjudicated, most employers don't want to know you. Anyone can get arrested and it doesn't mean they're guilty of anything, but the fact they have an arrest record is really bad news to an employer. I guess you could get arrested for howling at the moon. Judge Mathis himself (of TV fame) has a youthful arrest record - he spoke of it on his show. He has never been convicted of anything because whatever the matter was it was non-adjudicated. For this reason he said that on any job application, he can say no if asked if he has any convictions.
JersyCat - what I understand is most employers now ask if you have convictions - I rememebr about 40 years ago the question was arrests. Big difference.
I think job applications now ask if you have been convicted of any crimes or some such.
Where are all the people who typically post about just executing prisoners instead of wasting tax payer dollars? They must be busy ranting about the "second amendment" somewhere else.
That is kind of inane question. The death sentence would not apply for non-violent crime, for a prisoner with less than 4 years to serve, nor would they be allowed out with the privilege of constructive work enjoying the fresh air.
This is just an excellent example of how prison time can rehabitate and reform! The lack of follow through in cases of the unlawful taking of anothers life is a whole different animal.
SAm I rarey agree with you. Dennis - the point is many people believe no one can be rehabilitated and that we should just hang em all. And you make a lot of assumptions - how do you know these guys were rehabilitated - we dont even know what they were convicted for. Bernie Madoff is a non- violent offender think that jerk off could be rehabilitated?
Considering the word rehabilitation usually means learning about
smarter ways to commit crime so you don't get caught. This was actually
a breath of fresh air. They had no incentive to help and did it anyway.
I wonder how many states would have punished them for doing what they did ?
You mean there really are human beings in jail ?
Considering the word rehabilitation usually means learning about smarter ways to commit crime so you don't get caught
That kind of indicates the mind set of why they are there to begin with.
They had no incentive to help and did it anyway
Its a sad world when an individual needs incentive to save children.
You mean there really are human beings in jail ?
Just as out of jail. Making mistakes does not make anyone less human, just someone who has consequences for something they did. You make a choice, you pay the consequences and you either learn and move on or figure "this time I got it all figured out" and repeat the cycle. That is humanity since the dawn of time and it will be humanity till the end of time.
People who save children's lives do not need shorter sentences. They have served their purpose. Nothing is more important for a human to do than to care for another person more than themselves. This is why we are here. To learn that no one is more important than anyone else. Theoretical physicists have concluded the universe is a hologram. Neurologist have determined that the size of the brain cannot possibly contain all the data in it. It too must be a hologram. At the beginning She said Let there be light and that was how it all began.
Wow ..... I was not aware of the physicist or neurologist thing, sounds more like liberal arts majors class conclusions or philosophy majors fantasy world than anything a real scientist would come up with. The mythical supernatural omnipotent entity thing is pretty much the same thing in every culture in the world, left over from primitive ignorant tribal unit control mechanism I would imagine. Kid asks dad "where did the world come from" dad scratches his head and tells him "heck I dont know, see this magical entity just said abracadabra and it was all here no one knows much how that was possible."
ANd there are UFO's in Nevada, aliens land all the time in Roswell.... I want the tin foil hat concession in Canada.
I think they have proven that they can be productive members of society.
Because they were able to work for the parks?
No, because they did the right thing. They could have easily said not my problem and walked away. They were under no obligation to do what they did.
And I hope they can work this into their resumes when they are out and job hunting. A lot of prisoners seem to find there way back because it is hard to get going in the right direction once you are out. Jobs help.
This shows that there's good in all of us, but especially in those who could get their sentences reduced for good behavior.
Are you implying that they took the time to think about getting their sentances reduced if they acted, if so you are much more cynical than most. These people saw something occuring and they reacted - they acted with out real consdieration of the consequences etc.
It's simple realism. Sociopaths can appear quite charming and always ready to help out those in need, as long as there's something in it for them.
Good work. I hope that parents will assist the inmates after the prison.
We need to work on more ways to punish criminals without bars.
Most inmates would act as humans, if they were treated as humans.
Not much on human nature are you.
"Dennis-387683
Not much on human nature are you."
Not much on reality, are you?
Brian, after reading his comments from above, I doubt he ever has a good word to say about anything. And it's to bad, because as it is, someone may mistake him for belonging to the human race.
Dennis, is compassion a hard thing for you to have for others? You should try it sometime, it may just melt that stone cold heart of yours.
Very cool to read a 'feel good' story involving adults and children.
Kudos to these men!
A funny observation is this story is of 3 inmates saving kids lives and the "newer" link is to a LA diocese apologizes for priest abuse...
Love this positive news story! Well done, inmates.
Amazing heroism. Many times I read about the rescuer(s) who ends up drowning trying to help.
Helping someone in trouble is a human element that knows no boundaries.
Glad to see a happy ending and that everyone survived.
just don't muck it up if favor smiles your way men.
Because of these three inmates, Nelson, Larry and Jon, three lives were spared. The Warden should immediately "overturn" their sentence, or at least shorten it and be given the "laud and honor" that they deserve. It was an unselfish act. An act of kindness willing to risk your life for that of another. Kudos and thanks fellas. Job well done!
A warden can not overturn thier sentances. A wardne is the official of the state whose job is to carry out the sentance by managing the prison. A sentance can be overturned by a court based on legal grounds and appeals, but just because a person does something good and wonderful does nopt provide legal grounds for a judge to overturn a sentance. The Governor of the State can commute a sentance to time served, and or pardon the inmates - i think that is what you are suggesting - but again they need to petition for this and most governors dont pardon inmates it is to politically risky. (Remember the Willie Horton issue when DUkakis ran for President)
I hope they are released soon, and someone gives them a good
job. They obviously show great character and initiative. Personal characteristics I would think most employers are looking for these days.
Thank you good job!
great job, guys. After your sentence is served this will be remembered, hopefully. I am happy to say that I have never broken the law, never stepped on a crack, said no one ever!
Thank you inmates. Probably in jail for a drug crime. Let them go!
It's a story from Washington State involving obviously Caucasian inmates from a "work party" outdoors...
I would've been shocked if they hadn't responded...
They deserve nothing more than allot of positive reinforcement, no reduction in sentence unless close to completion thereof IMHO...
I don't think this has anything to do with rehabilitation and as for the comment, "teach your children to swimm!!!" 25 mph is a very fast current, especially for small children! This act is nothing short of heroic and I'm glad it's making the news. Believe it or not, inmates actually perform good deeds on a regular basis but it's usually negative news that makes it to the greater public. I highly doubt these men thought about getting a reduced sentence (good behavior doesn't exactly exist anymore in the capacity that the masses believe it to exist, but perhaps we can thank Hollywood and the media for the misinformation) when they selflessly risked their own lives to save the young boys in harms way and having that feeling of worthiness (nobody can take away their contribution to society) may very well help them not to recidivate when it does come time for their release from prison. God bless them.
The Prisoners are probably in for Drugs which is a joke anyway, give them an immediate pardon, they could have just shrugged their shoulders but they risked their lives. There is some humanity in them and they just needed an opportunity to show it. Take a chance, free them.
you may have done something wrong yesterday, today you did what was right. you put someone else's safety in front of your own - children at that. the man said it himself "we did what any good person would do". great job. keep the mindset to serve others first and when the day comes and you are free again you will can live a rewarding life. no more jail - no more trouble. you did good here, keep it up.
I of course have no idea as to what they were incarcerated for, however we do know from the article it did not involve violent crimes. Some inmates recieve reduced sentences for good behavior. If I were the warden, I'd seriously look into thier sentences and make recommendations accordingly.
Just because someone has done something bad in their past doesn't mean they are a bad person. People deserve second chances. Sometimes they do things that are out of their control. Never judge until you walk a mile in their shoes then you would understand.
I agree, but only if the crimes were not violent.
Big thanks to these men for saving these boys!