Fish and Wildlife Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 14, 2008

Contacts:

Ed Britton, 815-273-2732

Chuck Traxler, 612-713-5313

EA 08-47

Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Employees
Earn Interior Department Awards for Valor

Department of the Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne honored two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees during the 65th annual convocation held May 13, in Washington, D.C. The Department each year recognizes acts of "courage, valor, selflessness and exceptional management" in men and women who are nominated by their respective agencies from across the United States.

Russell A. Engelke and Darryn J. Witt, both from the Savanna District of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, each received the Valor Award -- presented to employees who have demonstrated unusual courage involving a high degree of personal risk in the face of danger – for braving the dark of night and icy currents to save the life of a fisherman stuck for 15 hours when his hovercraft capsized off the Illinois’ shore.

Engelke and Witt launched their airboat in the dark after several rescue attempts failed during a December day last year. The two Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge employees headed to rescue two anglers who had been in the icy water all day. Russell Engelke, a Supervisory Wildlife Refuge Specialist and Darryn Witt, a Refuge Officer, reached one of the victims perched on top of an overturned hovercraft at 10:30 p.m. The two men attached a line from their airboat to the overturned craft and secured the victim, who was unable to move. A rescue swimmer ran another line to shore. Engelke and Witt held onto the victim and hovercraft and were pulled to shore. The victim was airlifted to the hospital and lived. Engelke and Witt then returned to the icy river to search for the other man until deteriorating conditions prevented them from continuing. He unfortunately passed away.

“Refuge Officers Engelke and Witt risked their own lives to save the life of another,” said Savanna District Manager Ed Britton. “Their actions are the ultimate commitment by law enforcement professionals to protect and serve the public.”

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov

-FWS-

Last updated: July 7, 2008

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