PITTSFIELD, Maine — A police officer rescued a Burnham man from a crash that left him submerged in his car in the Sebasticook River on Tuesday.
Melvin Getchell, 65, was traveling eastbound on Hunnewell Avenue when he fell asleep at the wheel of his 1998 Buick LeSabre, police said. His car went off the road and down a steep embankment into the river. His vehicle wound up on its roof.
Lawrence Morton, owner of A.J. Fabrication, heard the crash from his building across the street.
“I saw nothing, so I hunted for him,” said Morton, as K&K Towing of Palmyra was loading the totaled Buick onto a flatbed. “I knew there was something. I walked that bank twice before I spotted him. I hollered and I couldn’t get a response out of him.”
Morton called 911. Pittsfield police Officer Jeff Vanadestine responded to the call, which came in at 12:41 p.m.
“I was here probably a minute after the call,” said Vanadestine, who was soaked up to his waist. “I was able to bust the back window out with a baton. At that point, I saw him bobbing up. He was fully submerged in the driver’s seat.”
Vanadestine said he was able to pull Getchell out through the passenger side rear window and bring him to safety.
“He was very, very lucky. He was able to walk away,” said Vanadestine.
Getchell was transported to Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield “with minor cuts and abrasions on his face,” said Vanadestine. “He was talking. Nothing’s going to be severe or life threatening.”
The Pittsfield Fire Department and Maine State Police assisted.
Good job !
Great job officer!
Good Job.
Before the cop bashing begins, thank you, Officer.
There shouldn’t be any cop bashing for an article like this. Pittsfield is a small town, it is not every day or often as other towns or cities with more people that actually respond to these incidents. He did what he had to and responded accordingly without any panic that these calls are not common for these guys
On the other hand the driver bashing should start in the next hour.
Thank you for your service Officer Vanadestine. JOB WELL DONE SIR! Hows it feel to be a hero? Because that is what you are to this driver, his family, and to everyone who reads this article.
Maine Police officers are the best!!!
I just love a real hero story and Officer Vanadestine you did something spectacular…..way to go!!
Officer Jeff Vanadestine, you should be proud! Thank you!
Great save Officer ! Hopefully the voters of Pittsfield remember this when budget voting time rolls around.
That’s what ‘The Job’ is all about. You done good, real good !
Lawrence Morton’s actions seem to have been lost among all the (well deserved) praise for the Officer. It was his caring tenacious search for the car that got the rescue rolling.
Thank you both!
Glad to see a dangerous situation resolve with a happy ending. Mr. Morton and Officer Vanadestine, many thanks for your selfless service. You undoubtedly saved this man’s life.
Awesome job to Mr Morton and Officer Vanadestine!
Newport District Court April 1, 2012.Melvin Getchell, 65, Burnham, criminal trespass, $225.
Did the officer do us a favor or not?
Wow is all I can say.