Robert Edward Puccino saved Robert P. Jones from drowning, Lawton, Oklahoma, April 16, 1992. Jones, 45, was in an automobile that was swept from a low-water crossing into Squaw Creek, which was flooded by heavy rain. Washed from the car, Jones was carried downstream by the very swift current. In his patrol car near the scene, Puccino, 32, police officer, learned of the incident and responded to the crossing. He ran along the creek after Jones, then waded onto the flooded bank to him. After seizing Jones by his attire, Puccino too was swept downstream. Without releasing his grip on Jones, Puccino was pulled about 300 feet by the current before he regained his footing and waded to the bank, where he lay, exhausted. Puccino and Jones were both taken to the hospital, where Puccino was admitted to the intensive care unit for treatment of effects of having nearly drowned. He was discharged four days later, and he recovered.
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