Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/144898
Sarasota News Leader July 19, 2013 Page 63 OFFICER RECOGNIZED FOR SAVING CHILDREN DURING A SQUALL The Sarasota Police Department has honored Officer William "Bud" Johnson for rescuing several children during a summer storm on July 16, the department has announced. At approximately 2:15 p.m., about 43 children in 25 boats were taking part in a local sailing camp when a rain squall caught them by surprise, a Police Department news release says. Because of the fast-changing weather conditions, the boats capsized near 1717 Ken Thompson Parkway in Sarasota. All of the children were wearing life vests, and they used their training from camp to remain calm, the release points out. Karen Tone, the camp administrator, told Sarasota Police officers that staff members were just starting to bring in the children when the squall hit. Nine safety powerboats with instructors in them and four squadron members in personal vessels began pulling the youngsters aboard and transporting them to shore, the release continues. Johnson and several other officers responded to various locations around Ken Thompson Parkway in an attempt to locate other children, the release notes. Johnson could see several in distress in the water, the release notes. "Without hesitation, Officer William 'Bud' Johnson/Contributed he jumped onto a [type of] dingy … with one photo of the camp instructors" and began pulling the youngsters onto the boat with him, the release people. I'm really proud of Officer Johnson's adds. performance and his example of fine, outstanding police work." Chief Bernadette DiPino said in the news release, "This officer exemplified exactly what Officers were able to confirm all the children police officers are: heroes. He was instrumen- attending the camp were accounted for; no tal in the saving of the lives of many young injuries were reported, the release notes.