The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has a new hero in their midst.

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Thanks to LDWF Sergeant Stephen Rhodes and a group of good Samaritans, a young girl is alive today!

This past Saturday, May 7, around 6:40 pm, in Jefferson Parish, Sgt. Rhodes was on patrol on the beach of Grand Isle when he saw a vessel having serious trouble and beginning to capsize.

Concerned Citizens Didn't Hesitate To Help

The group of good Samaritans jumped in to help Sgt. Rhodes get back to his vehicle and then help him launch his boat.

Once he made his way to the capsized vessel, Sgt. Rhodes discovered 8 people on top of the hull of the overturned boat. The group immediately told the agent about a missing 7 year old girl who was still somewhere in the water.

After moving the 8 people into his boat, Sgt. Rhodes located the child under the capsized boat. Once he got the child aboard his boat, he started CPR and was able to revive her.

Sgt. Rhodes then transported all nine people to shore where an EMS crew was able to stabilize the young girl and airlifted her to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans where she is expected to make a full recovery.

The LDWF Is Extremely Proud Of Sgt. Rhodes' Actions

According to Colonel Chad Hebert, head of the LDWF Enforcement Division, “We are extremely proud of the actions of Sgt. Rhodes. He did an exceptional job of using good judgement and his training to help save the life of this young girl and the other occupants in the capsized vessel. We would also like to thank all of the good Samaritans that assisted in this successful rescue. Sgt. Rhodes was on patrol by himself and these good Samaritans helped him perform this rescue faster. That time saved probably made it possible to resuscitate the young girl.”

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