Officer’s Promise in Flood: "We’ll Get Through This Together"

"We're going to get through this together." Hear an AZ officer's promise during a tense swift water rescue from a raging flash flood, all on camera.

by Admin

Oct 24, 2025

On a dark Monday night in Arizona, the unexpected force of nature turned a familiar road into a dangerous, fast-moving river. For one driver, a sudden misjudgment left him trapped in his vehicle as floodwaters rose relentlessly around him. In that moment of crisis, a 911 call for help was answered by the calm professionalism and profound courage of the Apache Junction Police Department, turning a potentially tragic event into a story of hope and heroism.

A Desperate Call in the Dark

At approximately 8:30 p.m. on October 13, 2025, a 911 dispatcher received a call from a man stranded near 4th Avenue and Tomahawk Road. "I’m stuck like, in a flooded area," he explained, his voice steady despite the rising water. "I didn’t see the water coming in 10 minutes ago. But it’s coming up to the windshield." The driver had mistakenly driven into the floodwaters of Weekes Wash, and by the time he realized the danger, it was too late. His car was being overwhelmed by the powerful current, leaving him isolated and vulnerable.

Courage Amid the Chaos

Bodycam video released by the department shows the critical moments after officers arrived. They located the vehicle and quickly devised a plan. Using a rope from a patrol car, they instructed the driver to grab one end and "hold on tight." One officer, demonstrating selfless service, then waded into the deep, turbulent water to reach the vehicle. His words to the stranded man were not just instructions, but a promise. "Listen to me," the officer said with reassuring calm. "You’re going to go into some deep water, and it’s going to be quickly moving. OK? I’m going to hold onto you, but I need you to hold onto me. OK? We’re going to get through this together." This simple act of human connection provided the strength needed to face the dangerous path back to solid ground.

A Safe and Sound Resolution

Guided by the officer and secured by the rope line, the man was brought safely out of the water. The teamwork between the officers on the scene was seamless, a testament to their training and shared commitment. Superstition Fire and Medical personnel were on standby and evaluated the driver, who was thankfully cleared without any injuries. Once the water levels subsided, the man’s vehicle was recovered and towed back to his home. The coordinated effort from multiple agencies ensured a positive outcome for everyone involved.

The Heart of Service

This rescue is a powerful reminder that police work is often about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. It’s about meeting chaos with calm and offering a steady hand in a moment of fear. These acts of courage, happening in communities across the country, build trust and reinforce the fundamental mission of law enforcement: to protect and to serve.

For more stories about the dedicated men and women of law enforcement, visit our stories page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should you do if your car gets stuck in floodwater?

If your vehicle stalls in rising water, do not attempt to restart it. If the water is not moving and is shallow, you may be able to abandon the vehicle and move to higher ground. If the water is moving quickly, as in a flash flood, stay in your vehicle, turn on your hazard lights, and call 911 immediately. It is safer to wait for trained first responders than to enter dangerous currents.

2. What kind of training do officers receive for water rescues?

Many police departments provide officers with specialized training, including swift water rescue training. This teaches them how to read water currents, use ropes and other rescue equipment, and employ specific techniques to safely extract individuals from dangerous water situations. This training is critical for first responders, especially in areas prone to flooding.

3. Why is driving through floodwaters so dangerous?

It can be very difficult to gauge the depth of flooded roadways. Just six inches of moving water can knock over an adult, and as little as one foot of water can float many vehicles. The road surface underneath the water could also be washed away. The safest and most important of all flash flood safety tips is to "Turn Around Don't Drown."

4. What is a "swift water rescue"?

A swift water rescue is a specific discipline of technical rescue involving the use of specially trained personnel, ropes, and mechanical advantage systems to save people from fast-moving water. It is one of the most dangerous types of rescue operations for first responders due to the power and unpredictability of the water.

5. What equipment do police cars carry for rescues?

Standard patrol vehicle equipment often includes first aid kits, traffic cones, and fire extinguishers. Many vehicles in flood-prone areas are also equipped with rescue ropes, throw bags, and sometimes personal flotation devices to aid in water rescue situations until specialized units can arrive.