At 1900 hours, EMS was dispatched to the
Madelyn Marina for a report of a male who had fallen off a dock, into the
water, in a wheel chair. Sturgeon Bay Police Officers Tassoul and Dorner
responded on scene just after EMS. The male, identified as Eric Murrock, had
been observed throwing a ball into the water for his dog to fetch. A gentleman
on shore watching this saw Eric throw the ball into the water, then proceed to
go in reverse in his wheel chair off the dock into the water. The gentleman
began yelling for help. Two “good Samaritans” rushed into action and jumped
into the water, while another man called 911.
Eric was found face down in the water
for an estimated two minutes before the men could flip him over and get a life
preserver on to keep him afloat. The incident occurred at the farthest dock, in
about 10 feet of water. The men had to tread water with Eric until help
arrived. Due to Eric’s size and being dead weight as he was unconscious, it
took about six people to get him out of the water. Erick was then transported
by ambulance to the hospital.
The “good Samaritans” took it upon
themselves to remove Eric’s 500 lb electronic wheelchair from the bottom of the
water and pulled it to shore.
These men placed their safety in
jeopardy to attempt to save someone they did not even know. They went out of
their way to help without being told to do so.
On behalf of the Sturgeon Bay Police and
Fire Departments, Door County Emergency Services and the Door County 911 Dispatch
Center the Citizen’s Heroism Award was awarded to Adam Rasmussen, Ralph Zimmer, Sid Ernest and Mark Courts in recognition for their
heroic actions on June 8, 2016 when they came to the aid of Eric Murrock, who
had accidentally fallen off of a dock into the water. Their quick response and
life saving measures certainly saved his life. Congratulations on a job well
done!
