Conservation Officers save Quincy man's life in floodwaters

QUINCY -- A 36-year-old Quincy man owes his life to a timely 911 call and the quick action of Indiana Conservation Officers Thursday morning.

Damon Fine had been westbound on County Road 1300 South on the Putnam-Owen county line about three miles east of U.S. 231. In attempted to drive through the swollen waters of Mill Creek, his car began to be swept downstream.

He crawled through the sunroof and onto the roof of the car, then placed a 911 call at 6:29 a.m. An Owen County deputy was the first to arrive on the scene and was able to spot Fine and his car. However, the deputy observed the car begin to move, eventually being swept downstream and under water.

Fine was able to grab onto a tree branch further downstream.

ICO Lt. Kent Hutchins and Officer Patrick Labhart arrived at 6:53 a.m. and spotted the flashlight from Fine's cell phone, which he was using to signal his location.

The officers launched their boat at 7 a.m. and found the victim about 200 yards downstream, still clinging to a tree branch in the swift water. When officers lifted him into the boat, he was lethargic due to the effects of the frigid water and was unable to assist in his rescue.

Fine was in the boat by 7:13 a.m.

During the 911 call, Owen County Dispatch was reporting that Fine was beginning to succumb to the effects of the cold water. Putnam County Operation Life transported him to Putnam County Hospital, where he was treated for hypothermia.

Other responding agencies included the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, Cloverdale Fire Department and Owen County Water Rescue.