January 1, Arizona Helicopter Crew Saves Driver From Deadly Floodwaters

Wyatt’s Take

• Local law enforcement used skill and courage to pull an American from rising floodwaters that could have taken his life.
• Flash floods keep hammering Arizona after Hurricane Polo dumped record rain across the Southwest.
• Every time first responders move fast, it reminds us why strong local sheriffs matter more than big-government promises.

Dramatic video shows an Arizona sheriff’s helicopter crew rescuing a man stranded on top of his overturned truck as rapidly moving floodwaters surrounded the vehicle.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office said its Fox 1 aviation crew responded Tuesday morning to a flooded wash in Tonopah, where deputies found the man sitting atop the overturned vehicle with water rushing around him.

Video released by authorities shows the man perched on the truck as muddy floodwaters rush past him.

Because of the dangerous conditions, first responders determined that directly reaching the man was too risky and decided a “hoist rescue” would be the safest option.

A member of the Fox 1 crew is seen being lowered toward the vehicle before securing the man in a rescue harness and being hoisted to safety with him.

The man was taken to the riverbank, where fire personnel were waiting, according to the sheriff’s office.

The helicopter’s pilot, Rich Dickner, told CBS News that the water was quickly rising around the vehicle.

“We didn’t waste much time,” Dickner said.

“As opposed to when we first got there, you can see the water line on the video — it’s below the window — and it had risen up to the top of the window,” he continued. “So there was that urgency.”

People reported that Deputy Lindsey Smith was lowered approximately 80 feet from the helicopter toward the overturned truck.

She initially struggled to get her footing before securing herself to the vehicle, according to the report.

The entire rescue took less than five minutes, authorities said.

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office credited the crew’s swift response with getting the man to safety.

“Thanks to the skill and quick response of our Aviation crew, the subject was safely brought to shore,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Excellent work, Fox 1!”

The Weather Channel reported that remnants of Hurricane Polo brought historic rainfall to parts of the Desert Southwest, contributing to dangerous flash flooding.

The Flood Control District of Maricopa County warned drivers not to attempt to cross flooded roads.

“Remember: Conditions can change fast. If you encounter a flooded roadway, Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Wyatt Matters

Hard-working folks in the heartland know that when disaster strikes, it’s the steady hand of local law enforcement and neighbor helping neighbor that keeps America standing tall.