Heroic Actions of State Troopers Recognized

Overturned canoe on the river bank after the OSP rescue Photo Courtesy: Oregon State Police

(SALEM) - Two Oregon State Police troopers were in the right place at the right time last April, when they saved three people whose boat had overturned in the Willamette River. On Friday, the Oregon State Police Harold R. Berg Lifesaving Award was given to Salem-area Fish & Wildlife Division Troopers Adam Turnbo and Trooper Andrew Goffrier for their actions on that day. Troopers Turnbo and Goffrier were on boat patrol along the Willamette River April 9th 2006 when they spotted an overturned canoe with three adults hanging onto the side. All three were wearing lifejackets, which the troopers believed help them survive. As the troopers approached the overturned canoe in fast water about mid-stream, they believed all three people were hypothermic and appeared tired. Before getting to them, a 68-year-old Woodburn-area woman who was exhausted lost her grip and appeared to have difficulty staying afloat. The troopers were able to get to her and two Salem-area area men who were 42 and 68, and pull them into the OSP boat. The troopers were told that about ten minutes earlier, the canoe overturned as it entered a choppy section of the river. The fast current and 41 degree water, kept the three from getting to shore. This section of the river is about 20 yards wide and 18 feet deep. Troopers Turnbo and Goffrier notified their command, then took the three cold and wet people to the Independence boat ramp where Polk County Fire & Rescue responded and took care of them. All declined medical treatment and were uninjured. Trooper Adam Turnbo, age 28, is a 6-year veteran with the Oregon State Police assigned at the Salem Area Command office. During this time, he has worked at the OSP offices in Coos Bay, Albany, the Capitol Mall, and Salem. Trooper Andrew Goffrier, age 28, has been with the Oregon State Police for nearly two years during which he worked one year in the Patrol Services Division assigned to the Capitol Mall and has been assigned to the Fish & Wildlife Division at the Salem Area Command office since September 2005. The Harold R. Berg Lifesaving Award is named after Lieutenant Harold R. Berg who died on May 10th, 1975. Lieutenant Berg, while off duty, was contacted by a citizen who informed him that a boy scout was missing at Cape Lookout State Park. While attempting to search a cave near the water's edge, he was washed out to sea. The award is given to State Police employees who distinguish themselves by performing or reacting to a situation in a positive and professional manner which saves, or reduces the risk of loss of life of another person; and where a strong possibility existed that if such action wasn't taken, loss of life or serious injury would have resulted. This is the second lifesaving award presentation this week to Salem-area OSP troopers.