Family of Five Rescued From the Santiam River Near Jefferson

Jefferson firefighters worked in a joint operation with Albany Fire crews to deliver the family to safety.

Salem-News.com

(JEFFERSON) - Fire crews rescued a family of five that became stranded near the confluence of the North and South Santiam Rivers east of Jefferson at approximately 6:30 PM Tuesday evening.

Jefferson Fire District Spokesperson Elaine Parrott says Water Rescue personnel were called to assist the stranded party who ended up on a rock bar after their five inner tubes, tied together, became tangled in a tree snag.

All family members, 41-year old Frank Furnish, 38-year old Teresa Furnish, their two daughters 8 & 11, and son 7, were wearing life jackets. That solid thinking may have saved their lives.

According to Assistant Chief Scott Shepherd, Jefferson emergency crews quickly found the family from a shore search and planned a land-based rescue. One of the rescue team members, Firefighter Ryan Campbell, reached the family to assist.

Albany Fire Department personnel were able to launch their boat in Jefferson and it was decided to transport the family to the Jefferson boat ramp via Albany's boat.

The father had a cell phone and was able to call for help. The family was cold and scared but there were no injuries reported. To the family's credit, they were all wearing their life jackets and had the ability to call for help.