‘Get there, save them’: Columbus Police Officer Andrew Plank talks about rescue of mother and 8-year-old from river

Columbus Police Officer Andrew Plank is right. The water does look deceiving.

Bugs skip across the surface, and every ripple they leave is visible. There’s the reflection ofa passing train, and the water is so still that it looks just like the real thing. But the waterlooking calm doesn’t mean it is calm – let alone safe.

Beneath the surface are strong, unpredictable currents. And Plank knows this.

So, on Saturday, when Plank heard the call for a water rescue at Mill Race Park, there wasone thought in his mind: “I have to get there.”

“We’ve been to many of these where the outcome is not as good,” said Plank.

There were a number of things that had to go right in the successful rescue of a motherand her 8-year-old child. Plank arrived at the park in around two minutes, officers said andthere was a group of people who pointed Plank in the direction of the mother and child.Plank ran until he spotted them.

“I was just thinking get there, save them,” Plank said.

Downstream, the mother was holding onto a branch near the middle of the river, as well asher child. Plank saw her shaking, and recognized it as a sign of muscle fatigue. He knewthat for the rescue to be successful, it had to happen in that moment.

That’s when he made the split second decision to take off his belt and vest, and beginswimming, despite being the first one on the scene.

“I did what anyone would do,” said Plank.

But just because anyone would’ve done it, doesn’t mean anyone could’ve done it.

Plank, now in his 10th year with the Columbus Police Department, also served in theMarine Corps. During his time in the Marines, he took part in a swim course that taughtrescue swimming.

He said he learned how to swim in a number of different circumstances, with or against thecurrent, and how to save people who may be drowning. Plank said that without theMarines, he wouldn’t be the person he is.

Due to his quick reaction, Plank was able to get the mother and child to safety. Officerssaid he first placed the 8-year-old on his back to swim to shore, and then returned to helpthe mother to the bank.

“My adrenaline was going pretty hard, and once we got on to the bank and medics hadthem, it was just this relief,” he said.

“I’m just so thankful that the police department gives us the training needed to go out hereand save lives,” said Plank.

However, there have been instances where the outcome isn’t as good and there have beenlengthy searches involving recovery of bodies from the river.

The CPD offers tools to support mental health, and in addition to that, Plank tries to keep inmind what the heart of the job is to him.

“We see the worst of the worst, and what keeps me going is being able to save people,help people, and see the smiles on their faces after it happens,” said Plank. Plank alsoenjoys positive interaction with kids in the community, and his dream job is to be a schoolresource officer. He likes the idea of being able to lead by example, and show what can beaccomplished through hard work.

“My mentality is if I can change one person’s life, then my whole career is worth it,” saidPlank.

Following the rescue, Columbus police encouraged anyone in or around a body of water,including area rivers and streams, to wear a personal flotation device, which Plankreiterated.

“I love our community, I love people going outside and having fun, going to the parks,having a good time. However, please do it in a safe manner. If you’re coming down to theriver, or any body of water, please bring a personal flotation device…Even if you don’t thinkyou need it,” he said.