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Governor recognizes dipnetter, trooper for summer rescue

Published 9:30 pm Sunday, October 17, 2021

By Camille Botello

Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell (center) presents Wildlife Trooper Laura Reid (left) with a Life-Saving Award for her efforts in rescuing a child from the Kenai River offshore of North Kenai Beach this summer, during a ceremony held by Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Oct. 13, 2021. Reid and Kenai River dipnetter Antoine Aridou (far right) rescued the 12-year-old on July 29, 2021. (Photo provided by the Office of the Governor)
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Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell (center) presents Wildlife Trooper Laura Reid (left) with a Life-Saving Award for her efforts in rescuing a child from the Kenai River offshore of North Kenai Beach this summer, during a ceremony held by Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Oct. 13, 2021. Reid and Kenai River dipnetter Antoine Aridou (far right) rescued the 12-year-old on July 29, 2021. (Photo provided by the Office of the Governor)

Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell (center) presents Wildlife Trooper Laura Reid (left) with a Life-Saving Award for her efforts in rescuing a child from the Kenai River offshore of North Kenai Beach this summer, during a ceremony held by Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Oct. 13, 2021. Reid and Kenai River dipnetter Antoine Aridou (far right) rescued the 12-year-old on July 29, 2021. (Photo provided by the Office of the Governor)
Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell (center) presents Wildlife Trooper Laura Reid (left) with a Life-Saving Award for her efforts in rescuing a child from the Kenai River offshore of North Kenai Beach this summer, during a ceremony held by Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Oct. 13, 2021. Reid and Kenai River dipnetter Antoine Aridou (far right) rescued the 12-year-old on July 29, 2021. (Photo provided by the Office of the Governor)

An Alaska State Wildlife Trooper and Kenai River dipnetter received recognition from the governor last week for their parts in rescuing a 12-year-old boy from the waters of Cook Inlet.

Wildlife Trooper Laura Reid received a Life-Saving Award and Antoine Aridou received a Governor’s Commendation during an Oct. 13 ceremony.

Reid was patrolling North Kenai Beach July 29 during dipnetting season when she noticed a child “being swept down the Kenai River toward the open ocean,” according to a release from the governor’s office. Reid ran into the inlet to rescue the child, and began drifting downriver. Aridou, who was dipnetting onshore, used his net to aid the two back to shore, the release said.

In addition, Wildlife Troopers Jason Knier and Dan Gunderson were recognized for helping a 10-year-old boy after he fell into Skwetna River during the Iditarod Sled Dog Race last March.

“Two boys were able to go home to their families because of the swift actions taken by these three Alaskans,” Dunleavy said in the release. “Their quick thinking, their bravery, and their earnest effort reminds us all of the good in Alaskans.”

The award ceremony can be viewed on the governor’s Facebook page.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.

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