“These brave law enforcement officers, including a CDFW officer, encountered challenging and life-threatening conditions to rescue a man who desperately needed medical attention.  We are grateful for their bravery, training and willingness to put the safety of others before their own.” – CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

FAIRHAVEN – On October 21, 2025, at 3:45 p.m., the Humboldt County Emergency Communications Center received a call from a citizen reporting his father had fallen into the water at the North Jetty in Fairhaven.

Deputies from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Special Services Division responded to the scene along with a wildlife officer from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and personnel from the Samoa Volunteer Fire Department. 

Once on scene the law enforcement officers located the victim, a 74-year-old man, who was breathing but nonresponsive and suffering from major head and facial injuries. Based on statements by the son it was determined the father was standing on the jetty, struck by a sneaker wave and was swept into the water. The son stated he pulled his father out of the water and back onto the Jetty.

Medical aid was immediately rendered by personnel on scene. Due the nature and severity of wave conditions the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Helicopter was requested to assist. Once the USCG arrived the victim was loaded into the rescue basket, hoisted into the helicopter and transported to a local hospital to undergo medical treatment for his injuries.

According to Sgt. Tony Gomes of the HCSO Special Services Unit, “The conditions for the rescue were extreme, and a great deal of bravery was shown by all personnel involved.”

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office extended its sincere gratitude to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Samoa Volunteer Fire Department, and the United States Coast Guard for their assistance during this rescue operation.