Officer’s Courage: A Ladder of Hope in a Raging NM Flood

When a family was trapped by a flash flood, a New Mexico State Police officer crawled across a ladder to save a child, a woman, and their dog.

by Admin

Sep 26, 2025

A quiet Sunday afternoon in rural New Mexico took a terrifying turn when a sudden rush of water flipped a vehicle, trapping a woman, her six-year-old child, and their dog on its roof. As the turbulent currents swirled around them, a display of incredible bravery and teamwork unfolded, reminding us of the profound commitment our law enforcement officers have to serving the community. This is a story of how quick thinking and collaboration built a bridge to safety when it was needed most.

A Perilous Situation in Grant County

The call came in at approximately 3:09 p.m. on Sunday, August 31, 2025. A vehicle had been overturned by dangerous flood currents on Stephens Road near Buckhorn, New Mexico. When Officer Walker Eby of the New Mexico State Police arrived, he saw the family stranded atop their vehicle, helpless against the powerful water. The situation was deteriorating, and there was no time to waste in what was quickly becoming a critical incident response.

A Team Effort and a Ladder of Hope

Understanding the immediate danger, Officer Eby worked with the arriving Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Cliff Volunteer Fire Department, and local residents to formulate a plan. The inter-agency cooperation was seamless. First, they used a backhoe to stabilize the vehicle, preventing it from being swept further downstream. Then, a ladder was carefully extended from the shore to the truck, creating a makeshift bridge over the raging water.

In an act of pure courage, Officer Eby removed his police gear and crawled across the unsteady ladder. Lapel footage showed the intense scene as he reached the family, placed the young child on his back, and carefully made his way back to safety. He then returned to provide a safety rope to the woman and a dog rescue harness for their pet. With helping hands in the community and other officials holding the line, all three were brought safely to shore. This was law enforcement in action, a perfect example of the importance of teamwork. As a state police news release later noted, "This coordinated effort exemplifies the spirit of community and working together for the safety of one another."

Safe, Sound, and Grateful

Thanks to the coordinated effort and rapid police response, a potential tragedy was averted. The outcome was a testament to the skill and bravery of everyone involved, and thankfully, no injuries were reported. The rescue was a powerful demonstration of the power of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the citizens they serve. It was a life-saving rescue that highlighted the best of humanity in a crisis.

More Than a Uniform

The events in Grant County are a profound reminder of what a police officer does. It often goes far beyond the call of duty, involving police compassion, quick thinking, and a willingness to face danger for a stranger. These actions, which happen every day across the country, build public trust in police and show the human beings behind the badge who are dedicated to keeping communities safe. This was a job well done, and a rescue to remember.

For more stories about officers making a difference, visit our stories page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who was involved in the Grant County flood rescue?

The rescue was a coordinated effort between Officer Walker Eby of the New Mexico State Police, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, the Cliff Volunteer Fire Department, and local residents who assisted at the scene.

2. Was anyone hurt in the Buckhorn, New Mexico flood incident?

No, thanks to the quick and effective response from law enforcement and community members, all three individuals—the woman, the child, and their dog—were rescued safely, and there were no injuries reported.

3. How did the community help in the police water rescue?

Local residents were on the scene and actively assisted first responders. They helped devise the rescue plan and held the safety rope while the woman crawled across the ladder, showcasing a powerful community and police partnership.

4. Where can I find positive police news stories like this one?

Stories that highlight the bravery and dedication of law enforcement, such as this life-saving rescue, are often shared by police departments on social media and covered by local news. Websites dedicated to supporting law enforcement also feature these inspiring events.

5. What are some essential flood safety tips?

Key flood safety tips include avoiding walking or driving through floodwaters, as it can be deeper and faster-moving than it appears. The National Weather Service slogan "Turn Around, Don't Drown" is a critical piece of advice to follow. Being aware of your surroundings during heavy rain is essential for community safety.

6. Why is inter-agency cooperation important in emergencies?

This rescue is a perfect example of why inter-agency cooperation is vital. By combining the resources, expertise, and manpower of the New Mexico State Police, the county sheriff's office, and the local fire department, responders were able to execute a safe and successful rescue in a complex and dangerous environment.