Left to right -
Captain Paul S. Cordova
Deputy Huey Townley
and Greg Walker Esq., ARM, CPP

On Thursday, March 1, 2007, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received a call through 911 concerning an occupied vehicle that had run off the roadway and driven into a community lake, located in the Lakes of Eldridge Subdivision. Several witnesses at the scene reported that a female was driving the vehicle when it apparently went out of control and ended up in approximately 9 to 10 feet of water.

Deputy Townley immediately went enroute to the location and upon his arrival, he observed approximately a half dozen citizens on the bank of the lake pointing to a spot about fifty feet from the shore. Deputy Townley observed two civilians standing in what appeared to be waist deep water. It turned out that the civilians were in fact standing on the roof of the vehicle, which could not be seen because the vehicle was completely submerged in the murky lake.

Without concern for his own safety, Deputy Townley immediately removed his gun belt and vest and entered the water using a small boat to reach the submerged vehicle. After orienting himself to where the driver's side door and window were located, Deputy Townley took a deep breath and entered the murky water. Deputy Townley felt around in the water until he was able to find and grab onto the female driver's body. Deputy Townley was able to free the female driver from the vehicle and pull her to the surface. Once on the surface Deputy Townley, with the help of the two civilians, hoisted the unconscious female into the small boat.

When they arrived at the shore of the lake, medical personnel from Cy-Fair EMS immediately started lifesaving efforts. The victim was then transported to Memorial Hospital where she was listed in critical condition; she has recovered and been released from the hospital.

Deputy Townley acted immediately and without regard for his own safety to go to the aid of a civilian he knew was in a life threatening situation. The two civilians that were already in the water are also to be commended for their efforts in assisting Deputy Townley in this heroic effort. Had it not been for the actions of Deputy Townley and these two citizens, this incident would have ended tragically. Deputy Townley’s actions are a testament to his professionalism and present a positive image to the department and community he has chosen to serve.