CAMDEN, Ark. — An Ouachita County deputy is being credited with rescuing a couple stranded by floodwaters in early April during a round of severe storms that forced evacuations across parts of Arkansas, THV11 reported.
Deputy Nathan Lane of the Ouachita County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about two residents trapped at their home in a flooded area, according to the report. One of the individuals required dialysis, prompting an urgent response.
When deputies and emergency crews reached the location, the floodwaters were too deep to proceed. With no immediate boat available — officials estimated a 30-minute wait — Lane and several county employees decided to act on foot.
Lane carried one of the residents through the high water while helping the other walk to safety, bystander video shows.
“I was totally fine with carrying one of them, or even both, if I had to. But I was like, if they’re going to walk, then I’m going to walk too, because it’s my job,” said Lane.
The deputy said he didn’t see his actions as heroic, but simply part of his duty.
“I just knew that I was going to more likely have to save someone from it. Just a matter of time. I was like, if someone’s going to walk in there, I walk with them, because it’s my job to get people out to safety,” he said.
Much of the area near the Ouachita River remains affected by high water, according to the report. Lane urged residents to leave early in the event of rising water.
