WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
A Lockport Township man who braved freezing waters to help a 22-month-old boy from a partially submerged car last week in the Portage River was commended Tuesday by the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department.
Undersheriff Jason Bingaman, Capt. T.J. Baker and Deputy Nathan Hewitt recognized Paul Leverance for his quick and heroic action Jan. 18 at the South Fisher Lake Road bridge, just east of Buckhorn Road.
Bingaman estimated the partially frozen water was about three feet deep.
The vehicle was heading west on South Fisher Lake Road when it lost control, crossed the centerline and entered the water on the south side of the bridge.
Investigators said it landed nose first in the water then came to rest upside down.
Leverance said he was heading west on South Fisher Lake Road when he crossed over the Portage River and noticed the vehicle. He promptly called 911 then went into action.
Leverance, 43, waded into the river and took the boy from his dad, who managed to get the boy out of the back of the car. Leverance said he then placed the child inside his truck, removed the boy’s socks and coat, and bundled him inside a sweatshirt.
