Elton D. Ricker, 28, assistant to county civil engineer, saved Peter J. Bottazzi, Jr., 7, from drowning, Leominster, Massachusetts, January 9, 1938. Peter broke through weak ice into water seven feet deep 21 feet from the nearer bank of the inlet of Rockwell Pond and held to the edge of the ice. From the opposite bank Ricker, who was heavily clothed, ran on firm ice toward Peter, deliberately broke through the weak ice, and with his arms broke the ice for 19 feet to Peter, who then was under the surface. He pushed Peter onto firm ice and was submerged briefly. He then crawled out, and he and Peter walked to the bank.
37580 – 3140
37580-3140