Clifford R. Boyd

Clifford R. Boyd saved Kaili M. Heronema and Amanda R. and Arden L. Humphreys from drowning, La Barge, Wyoming, August 3, 2006. Early in the morning, Kaili, 7; Amanda, 17; and their grandfather, Humphreys, 78, were found clinging to the bow of a boat that was swamped and partially sank about 14 hours earlier while the party was on a fishing outing on Fontenelle Reservoir. They were in deep, cold water about 450 feet from the closer bank when found by Boyd, 30, deputy sheriff, who had been dispatched to search for them. Although he was recovering from recent ear surgery, Boyd, knowing that it would take time for a rescue team to arrive at the remote location, removed articles of clothing and gear and swam out to the boat. Grasping Kaili, he towed her ashore and placed her in his vehicle to warm. Another deputy arrived, with empty plastic containers, and Boyd, using one of them as a flotation device, swam to the boat again. With both Amanda and him holding to the container, Boyd swam Amanda to shore, and she joined Kaili in Boyd’s vehicle. Again using the container, Boyd swam a third time to the boat. Helping Humphreys hold the container, he swam to wadable water, towing Humphreys, then was helped by the other deputy in removing Humphreys from the reservoir. Humphreys and his granddaughters were taken to the hospital for treatment of hypothermia and dehydration, and they recovered. Boyd was nearly exhausted, and he developed ill effect in his affected ear that required medical treatment.