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Officers Save Girl From Drowning off Oregon Shore

News & Happenings

September 16, 2008

Photo of Robert and Christina Winter

Two officers vacationing with family at D Beach in Lincoln City, Ore., rescued an 11-year-old girl after a deadly riptide pulled her underwater and away from shore.

On Aug. 23 TSOs Robert and Christina Winter of Tri-Cities Airport (Pasco, Wash.) were swimming in shallow water with their children when they heard a woman scream, "Help, my daughter is drowning."

Robert immediately ran into the water toward the girl. Meanwhile, Christina rushed their two boys to her sister and then followed her husband. As Robert swam back to shore with the girl, Christina and several witnesses helped them to safety.

Bystanders had already called 9-1-1 and emergency personnel transported the girl to the hospital where she was treated for a severe case of hypothermia.

"We are all very proud of Robert risking his life to save the child from drowning," said Assistant Federal Security Director Joseph G. Sebastian. "The saving of a child's life is very precious and Robert's efforts are heroic. It's an honor to have both Robert and Christina on our team."