ALLENTOWN, PA – Allentown Police Officer Andrew Gehringer and Kayla Balatgek on Thursday jumped into the Lehigh River to rescue an adult male who had fallen in and was in distress. The incident happened at around 7:16 pm near Adams Island.
“On Thursday, 19 May 2022, at approx. 7:16 PM, Patrol Officers with the Allentown Police Department responded to Adams Island for a report of an adult male who fell into the river,” the department said. “Officer Kayla Balatgek and Officer Andrew Gehringer did expeditiously enter the river and rescued the submerged male.”
Police said Allentown firefighters and EMS arrived on scene and CPR was rendered to the subject who was transported to the hospital for further treatment.
“We would like to thank the Allentown Police Department’s Second Platoon, Allentown Fire Department, and Allentown EMS for their response and service in this incident,” Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca said in a statement later in the day.