Would you go into waist-deep ditch water to help a crash victim... they did!

by DENISE MARTIN A guy has a fight with his wife in the late morning, and starts drinking in an effort to make himself feel better. Five hours later, he gets in his Nissan SUV and crashes into another car. Bad judgment. Certainly. Avoidable tragedy. No doubt. Bad luck. Yes and no.

The unsuspecting victim driving the Dodge Neon, is now submerged in a watery ditch, in Shafer at the intersection of Redwing Avenue and Hwy 8. But he becomes the focus of every ounce of energy that a handful of good samaritans have to share and this is where the story turns.

Three selfless bystanders and local first responder firefighters were honored at a special LifeSaving Award presentation, held at Shafer Franconia Fire hall September 7. Those who just happened to witness the crash, said they didn’t think twice about getting involved. And because of their reaction, the victim, Steve Rainer, who turned 53 in the hospital, probably will return home in a week or less.

There are mounting medical expenses, and if you can help out, the family has a GoFundMe page where donations of any size are gratefully being accepted. A benefit for Rainer was held at Centuria, Wisconsin last weekend, where the Rainers have community ties.

Chisago County Sheriff’s Deputy Shane Caroll is the contract law enforcement for Shafer and he was on patrol just a few miles away, when the crash call came in June 16 around 5:15 p.m. Carroll also attended the recognition for Good Samaritans last week, and says there’s no way to express how well local first responders do their jobs, or how much he appreciates the reassurance they will be called. Shafer-Franconia Fire Department guys are trained and take their duty seriously, he tells the reporter. The impaired driver, who was unhurt, had slammed his Nissan up against the Neon driver side door, complicating Rainer’s extrication. Carroll said a traumatic head injury was visible and Rainer certainly was suffering interior injuries. The main concern was if he slumped below the surface of the ditch water, he wasn’t going to make it. This is where bystanders Carina Walpole, Christina Williams and Derek Holt came in. They assisted holding Rainer’s head above the water and kept his spirits up while the tow truck inched the Nissan out of the ditch. They continued to be of assistance fetching equipment when firefighters arrived at the scene: including Ed Kubicki, Bill Vance and Craig Dietsch and Tyler Belisle. Shafer-Franconia Assistant Chief Ed Kubicki said at the fire hall event honoring the lifesaving efforts; “This is when it all pays off, the training and the practices.” He also noted Lakes Region EMS personnel’s skill in the field; declaring “It is an honor to serve with them.”