Boy Scouts Save Infant

Saw this story over on Drudge Report and thought I would make it my first post after returning from some personal business. As an Eagle Scout it always makes me proud when I hear stories like this. Boy Scouts continue to be one of the few remaining organizations in the world motivated to do true good.

"Boy Scouts' deed saves girl from drowningWed Aug 23 2006 08:49:32 ET

Some Omaha Boy Scouts are credited with a very good deed: rescuing a little girl from drowning.

At Two Rivers State Recreation Area on Saturday afternoon, 18-month-old Stephanie Pacheco slipped away from her mother and began floating face-down in the Platte River, said Duane Arp, a conservation officer with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The OMAHA WORLD-HERALD reports: About five members of St. Cecilia's Troop 100 were swimming nearby during a camping trip to earn merit badges. Christian Nanson, 11, spotted the girl in the water and yelled to fellow Scout John Fitzgerald, 9, said assistant Scoutmaster Matt Fitzgerald. Matt and John Fitzgerald are father and son.

The two boys ran to the girl and grabbed her out of the water. "She was probably literally minutes away from a tragedy," Arp said.

Once ashore, the girl began vomiting water but started breathing. Douglas County Sheriff's Deputy David Brock said the girl was treated for hypothermia and was in intermediate care at Children's Hospital. A hospital spokeswoman declined to release Stephanie's condition Sunday afternoon.

Arp said the girl had been swimming with a group of family members but had chased after some dogs playing in the water about 3:30 p.m.

Matt Fitzgerald said all the boys in the troop remained calm during the rescue and they all helped. The two boys pulled the girl out of the water, while other Scouts located a cell phone to call for help and directed rescue."

Great job guys!

Tags: Boy Scouts