Coast Guard, Police Officer Save Man From River
LORAIN, Ohio -- A lorain police officer risked his life to save an elderly man who fell into a river Saturday.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Lorain Coast Guard post, and the Lorain Police and Fire Department, assisted with the rescue of a recreational fisherman after he fell off of a pier, into the Black River.

When Coast Guard personnel got to the scene around 9 a.m., Officer Michael Hendershot with Lorain Police, was already in the water tending to the man.

Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Marco Worsley says, "We arrived on scene and a Lorain PD officer had a line tied to his hand, so we went bow-in and passed a life jacket to the man."

The Lorain Police Department confirms to Fox 8 News that Officer Hendershot heard the call on his radio, responded to the scene, then stripped off his uniform and dove into the icy water to save the man. He then held the man until the Coast Guard arrived.

According to a spokesperson from the U.S. Coast Guard, the man was pulled onto the boat by fire, and coast guard crews, out of the 50-degree water. He was treated for shock once on board the 25-foot small response boat.

Witnesses said they called 911 after seeing the man fall into the water and scream for help.

Officials tell Fox 8 News the man was transported by emergency medical personnel to Lorain Community Hospital for hypothermia, and lacerations.

The man's condition is unknown at this time, but Coast Guard officials say they expect the man to recover.

In a news release, the Coast Guard urges boater safety saying, "The Coast Guard advises everyone to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times, whether recreating on the water or near the water. It is much more difficult to locate, access or don a life jacket at the moment an accident occurs. Additional information on life jackets (PFDs), can be found by CLICKING HERE."