Video: Officer Crawls Across Ladder to Rescue Family from Floodwaters

A New Mexico State Police officer braved rushing floodwaters to rescue a woman, her 6-year-old child, and their dog after their vehicle was overturned by fast-moving currents in rural Grant County on Aug. 31.

At approximately 3:09 p.m., District 12 Officer Walker Eby responded to reports of a vehicle that had been swept onto its side along Stephens Road near Buckhorn. When he arrived, he found the woman, child, and their pet perched on top of the overturned vehicle as floodwaters surged around them. The swift current threatened to carry the vehicle downstream at any moment.

Officer Eby quickly began coordinating with members of the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Cliff Volunteer Fire Department, and local residents to formulate a rescue plan. First, a backhoe was maneuvered into position to stabilize the stranded vehicle. Then, responders extended a ladder from the bank across the floodwaters to the vehicle, creating a makeshift bridge.

Removing his police gear, Eby crawled across the ladder to reach the trapped family. He first secured the 6-year-old child, carrying the boy on his back as he carefully inched his way back across the ladder to safety. 

Returning a second time, Eby provided a safety rope for the woman, allowing her to cross while tethered. Finally, the officer secured a harness on the dog before carrying it off the top of the unstable vehicle and guiding it across the line to shore.

In a statement, the department praised the rescue as an example of community and first responders working hand-in-hand to save lives:

"We are incredibly proud of the bravery displayed by Officer Eby, our first-responder partners, and the local residents in this increasingly dangerous situation,” the department said. “Their actions allowed them to rescue the trapped occupants and bring them back to safety. This coordinated effort exemplifies the spirit of community and working together for the safety of one another."

No injuries were reported, but officials emphasized the increasing dangers of flooding in the region, reminding residents not to attempt driving through moving water.

The dramatic rescue highlighted both the risks faced by officers in the line of duty and the lifesaving results possible when police, fire crews, and local residents work together under pressure.

Read More: Foundation Provides Cops with Water Rescue Training, Equipment