HOLLAND, Vt. (WCAX) – A Vermont state trooper is speaking about his part in a harrowing rescue last week to rescue a capsized canoeist from a frigid pond in the Northeast Kingdom.
The rescue on Holland Pond last Friday was captured on body cameras. Trooper James Gallup says the Barre man they saved is lucky to be alive. “Could he have died — absolutely. And who knows what would have happened if we weren’t there,” he said.
Gallup, along with Trp. Steven Fauteux, were among the first responders on the scene around 11 a.m., shortly after a 911 call for a man — later identified as Kevin Foerster — whose canoe capsized and was calling for help.
While body camera footage shows Fauteux using a peddle boat to reach Foerster, Gallup says he took a different approach. “I put my life jacket on, took my gun belt off, took my boots off and just started wading out there. I was just worried about not being able to get to him fast enough to keep him above water,” he said.
Gallup swam out nearly 200 yards in the frigid water to stay with Foerster until Derby Line Fire and Rescue arrived and brought them back to shore. He says Foerster was treading water for more than a half hour without a life jacket. A dog that was with him died during the incident.
We tried to reach Foerster for an interview but did not hear back. State police say he’s still recovering.
Report Cam Smith: Do you and the other trooper consider yourselves heroes in this situation?
Tpr. James Gallup: I think it’s just part of this line of work. Outside of jumping in cold water and going swimming in the line of duty, there’s plenty of other bravery and heroic actions that happen all the time.
Vermont State Police are reminding folks that air temperatures are warming in the coming weeks, the water in many areas is still bitterly cold. They say if you do venture out, to have a plan, including telling someone where you’re going, and always wear a life jacket.