PRESS RELEASE
MAY 20, 2014
At 3:37 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2014, Bedford County 911 dispatchers received a call from a Maurene Rosko at 1642 Krantzs Corner Road. She reported that her husband, Constantine Rosko age 83, and son, Curt Rosko age 54, were in a jon boat, on their private pond, attempting to remove an aerator pump when their boat capsized. She said both men were in the water, holding on to the boat, and that her husband couldn’t swim. She also stated the water was approximately 8 to 9 feet deep. Dispatchers broadcasted the call for distress and at 3:43 p.m. Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Conservation Police Officer Dallas Neel arrived on the scene, followed by Bedford County Sheriff’s Deputy Tim Shull at 3:44 p.m. Officer Neel attempted to throw a lifesaving device to them, but after unsuccessful attempts, both he and Deputy Shull removed their shirts and duty belts, and went in to the pond. They were able to swim to the subjects and successfully brought both men back to shore. Bedford County Sheriff’s Office Major Ricky Gardner and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Captain Tony Fisher both agree that had these two officers not reacted as quickly as they did and put their training into action, the outcome may have been tragically different.
Bedford County Rescue Units arrived on the scene and examined both men who were tired and cold. Neither men required additional treatment, and were not transported to the hospital.
Agency Contacts:
Bedford County Sheriff’s Department – Major Ricky Gardner via the contact form on this website or see PDF for email address.
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries – Lieutenant Chris Thomas 434-525-7522
