Indiana State Police Sgt. Chad James. left, stopped by the Winona Lake Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 16, to present two Winona Lake Police Department officers, including Sgt. Joe Bumbaugh, right, with certificates to recognize them for helping to rescue a child from a pond. See related photo below. InkFreeNews photos by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE — Two Winona Lake Police Department officers have been recognized by the Indiana State Police for helping to save the life of a child in 2019.

ISP Sgt. Chad James presented certificates to Winona Lake Sgt. Joe Bumbaugh and Officer David Swain Tuesday night, Feb. 16, during a town council meeting.

James recounted the circumstances of the Nov. 15, 2019, incident when the two men and a state trooper endured freezing conditions to save a child who was clinging to an ice sheet in a pond near CR 325E and Wooster Road.

“(ISP) Superintendent Doug Carter felt that their achievements were noteworthy and worthy of recognition,” said James.

“Thank you guys for your work and the sacrifice that you made to help that young person out,” said Town Council President Rick Swaim.

Reserve officers

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the council passed a resolution to allow two new reserve officers, Brandon Prater and Keaton Schopf, to join the department.

Town Attorney Adam Turner swore in the two men.

In other business:

• A meeting seeking input toward the Winona Lake Parks Department’s five-year Master Plan will be 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 9, at the Winona Lake Senior Center, 1590 Park Ave. The public may attend either in-person or via Zoom. People will be able to find the Zoom link on the town’s website www.winonalake.net one day before the event.

• Green Earth Multisport will host a 4 Leaf Clover 5K Run/Walk and 10K Run starting at 9 a.m. Sunday, March 14. Information on how to register may be found on the company’s Facebook page.

• The Wine About the Winter event in the Village at Winona will be from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27.
• The council heard praise from various individuals about the snow removal by the Winona Lake Street Department during the Presidents Day snowstorm.
• Fire Chief Kevin Gelbaugh said the fire department’s newest engine is being worked on. Repairs to the 2011 vehicle are expected to be at least $5,000.

The council’s next meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, at Winona Lake Town Hall.

ISP Sgt. Chad James, left, also presented a certificate to Officer David Swain, right.

Winona Lake Town Attorney Adam Turner, left, swears in the town’s newest reserve officers Brandon Prater, center, and Keaton Schopf.