Jaden Eichelberger’s vehicle found upside down, partially submerged in water, unnoticeable from the roadway. Photos provided by Kevin Wagner, Sidney Fire Chief.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

SILVER LAKE — Kosciusko County has upgraded its emergency radio system. This included new two-way radios and pagers for all emergency personnel — police, fire and EMS. This upgrade proved its worth more than imagined early Friday morning, April 7.

Had Jadon E. Eichelberger, a member of the Silver Lake Fire Department, been in possession of the previous two-way radio equipment, no one wants to speculate what may have happened. Instead, he had the new radio, which was waterproof. It saved his life.

Eichelberger, 21, South Jefferson Street, Silver Lake, was traveling on SR 14, west of South County Farm Road, near Silver Lake around 12:30 a.m. when he swerved his car to avoid hitting a deer. His vehicle went down a deep embankment and overturned in a water-filled ditch.

Water filled the driver’s compartment. All electronics shut off. The headlights and taillights were no longer operable. Interior lights were useless. His cell phone had flown somewhere in his vehicle. He was upside down and disoriented.

What he did find was the strap to his two-way fire radio and was able to pull the radio out of the water, turn it on and call central dispatch for help.

Sidney Fire Department received the call at 12:50 a.m. Silver Lake was also alerted. But the exact location of their brother was still unknown and a search began. Thirteen firefighters, eight from Sidney and five from Silver Lake, began their search along SR 14. After what surely seemed like an eternity, but was approximately 10 minutes, they located Eichelberger. There were no skid marks. No broken sign. No signs a vehicle had gone off the road.

He was extricated and checked by medics at the scene. He sustained no injuries.

The new waterproof radio in his possession saved his life. He was able to remain in contact with the dispatcher until he was located.

All covered in mud.