Michael A. Bucheit helped to save Patrick J. Toomey from drowning, New Alexandria, Pennsylvania, January 8, 1976. Toomey, 30, was walking on an ice-covered lake when he broke through 120 feet from the bank and, unable to get out, shouted for help. A laboratory assistant heard Toomey’s calls and notified Bucheit, 31, state park superintendent, who took three life buoys to the lake. Bucheit and the laboratory assistant walked halfway to Toomey, threw him a buoy, and began pulling on the attached line. The ice gave way under the two men. Bucheit got out, supported the laboratory assistant until a youth had thrown him a buoy, and then returned to the bank. By means of the two buoys, Bucheit and the youth pulled Toomey and the laboratory assistant in tandem to the bank.
55407 – 6276
55407-6276