CAMDEN — Several first responders were honored last week by Camden Somers Township Fire and EMS Chief Josh Forrer for a “once in a career save.”

At approximately 3 a.m. on April 30, first responders were able to save the life of Bonita Rogers, who was a passenger in a vehicle which crashed into a pond.

The ceremony took place Wednesday, June 14 at the Camden Somers Township Fire Department.

On the morning of the crash, the Camden Somers Township Fire/EMS along with Preble County Sheriff Deputies David Layxcox and Katelyn Halcomb were dispatched to a report of a car in a pond and the vehicle was possibly occupied.

According to Chief Forrer, the on-duty medic crew, Firefighter/EMT Daniel Roberts, Paramedic Tiffany Lay, Capt. Like Sparks and Lt. Dave Fugate were the first to respond to the scene.

While en route, Dispatchers Caitlyn Wise and Jared Riley, of the PCSO, were working behind the scenes and assisting with the rescue.

According to Chief Forrer, Riley, knowing the distance from Camden to the call, requested the Butler County Sheriff’s Office to send any close deputies to the area to assist.

Due to the severity of the call, the decision was made to dispatch a water rescue team from the City of Monroe, a ground crew from Medflight 8, based out of Eaton, and a crew from the College Corner Fire Department.

Medic 40 and deputies were the first to arrive on scene and confirmed the vehicle was occupied by at least one person.

Upon arrival, according to Chief Forrer, Capt. Sparks and Lt. Fugate make the decision with deputies to enter the water and make the rescue. While performing the rescue, crews found there was a passenger in the vehicle as well.

Crews removed both the passenger and the driver from the vehicle and started life saving interventions on both, according to Chief Forrer.

At the time crews realized there were confirmed two patients, Oxford Fire Department was dispatched to also assist, sending a Medic crew and Engine Crew.

Gasper Township Fire & EMS was also dispatched to rehab the crews who were in the water making the

rescue.

“As fire chief, while responding to the scene and listening to the rescue efforts by not only my crew(s) but also the PCSO deputies and BCSO deputies can only be described as amazing,” Chief Forrer said during prior to honoring those who assisted in the rescue. “Today, I want to recognize the heroic efforts made by all.”

Chief Forrer honored Medfligt 8 (Greg Rolls and Stephanie Sparks), Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Oxford Fire Department, College Corner Fire Department (Chief Don Jackson, Asst. Chief Shawn Johnson and Daniel Chaney), the Monroe Fire Department (Lt. Aaron Forrer) and Gasper Township (Tony Cascio and Brandy Simpson).

Also honored were Riley, Wise, Halcomb, Laycox, Roberts, Fugate and Sparks.

“l would like to thank Chief Forrer for recognizing everyone that was involved in that night,” Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson said. “Although it was a tragic event, we have someone here with us tonight because of the efforts of all public safety, which is what we do, it doesn’t matter what team you’re on, it’s about the job in front of you and getting that job done.”

Simpson said his office will be submitting the information to the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association.

“They’re likely going to qualify for a lifesaving award at our annual conference,” Simpson said of those involved.

“It’s a once in a career save,” Chief Forrer said.

Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on Twitter @emowenjr.