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Officer Drowns Trying to Save Canines in Distress

Deputy Eddie Wotipka drowned after entering a canal in an attempt to rescue a dog that had fallen into the water.

At approximately 11:15 pm, as Deputy Wotipka arrived home at the end of his shift, several several neighbors notified him that a group of dogs were possibly in distress near the canal.

When he arrived at the canal his own dog fell into the water. Deputy Wotipka, who was still in uniform, jumped into the water in an attempt to rescue the dog. It is believed that a swift undercurrent caused him to go beneath the surface. He resurfaced once before going under the water again.

A sheriff’s department dive team recovered his body the following morning.

Deputy Wotipka had served with the agency for 17 years. He is survived by his wife and two adult children.