Police chief rescues canoeist

A stranded canoeist from Merrimac got the attention of the Park Falls Police Chief after a call for help on July 26.

According to department response logs, Sgt. Koller received the call to the department via phone from the canoeist, who stated he launched a canoe at the Smith Lake Campground and went north of the boat landing where he became stranded due to wind and current. The canoeist could not provide a precise location and Koller said he would contact the Price County Sheriff’s Office for further assistance.

Price County Emergency Communications said that no deputies were available to respond or to assist with watercraft. Koller contacted the canoeist and encouraged him to move closer to shore to avoid the current and wind. After some time, the canoeist called back to say he could not make it back to the landing.

When Koller’s continued requests to the sheriff’s office were not productive, emergency dispatch paged area fire departments. With the delays costing time, Park Falls Police Chief Marvin Nevelier responded to the boat launch where he flagged down a boat for assistance.

Chief Nevelier and the boater were able to reach the canoeist and assist him back to shore. The canoeist was not injured and Nevelier returned to service.