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A police officer has been recognized for his heroism after jumping into frigid waters to pull a driver from an overturned car in a Vernon creek.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Major Robert Daly was off duty and driving through Vernon late last Friday (Jan. 24) when he witnessed a vehicle overturn into a creek in the north end of Vernon.
The car crashed about 10:40 p.m., and Daly leapt into action as his daughter called 911 for help.
The sedan was upside down and mostly submerged in the creek along the west side of Highway 97, north of 48th Avenue.
Without hesitation, he jumped into the water and began efforts to free the driver, RCMP say in a news release.
The current and creek sediment made it challenging for Daly to open the driver’s door. First responders tossed Daly a pair of scissors to cut the driver's seatbelt and bring his head above the water.
Vernon firefighters helped Daly pull the unresponsive 37-year-old Vernon man from the water, and they began lifesaving measures. The man was rushed to hospital by paramedics, in serious condition.
"It was with profound sadness that the RCMP learned that the driver has since succumbed to his injuries in hospital," says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the RCMP Southeast District.
"Staff Sgt. Major Daly is an invaluable member of the Southeast District senior executive team," says Chief Supt. Brad Haugli, District Commander of the Southeast District.
"The emotional impacts from that day are still fresh for both Robb and his daughter, who tried to save a life. We will continue to provide them ongoing support. Their combined efforts were truly heroic."
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