By Rachel Ravina
The Reporter
NORRISTOWN, Pa. — Two people were rescued from drowning earlier this week after their pickup truck submerged in the Schuylkill River near Riverfront Park in Norristown, according to the Norristown Police Department.
A Norristown police officer patrolling Riverfront Park around 2 p.m. on Monday observed a man and a young female inside a pick-up truck at the park. The vehicle had initially been visible on top of the boat ramp, according to police, but then began speeding towards the river, and ended up in the water.
Police called for additional assistance. The girl did not know how to swim, according to police, and was seen in the truck bed as the vehicle was sinking in the middle of the river. Officer Edward Butterworth Sr. swam to assist the girl and her father.
“Officer Butterworth saw that both were in danger, as the truck had completely submerged, and the current of the river easily could have pulled them both away,” Norristown police said in a statement. “Officer Butterworth bravely swam out to the pair and was able to guide both of them back to the shore safely.”
The father and daughter were taken to an area hospital for observation following the incident, according to police, who noted that “neither appeared injured.” Butterworth was also unharmed, and Norristown police commended his efforts.
“Officer Butterworth’s heroic actions saved the lives of these two people, who possibly would not have survived if it were not for his selfless and immediate actions,” police said.
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