8-year-old recognized for heroism

BAILEYVILLE — Joshua Pinney, the 8-year-old hero who saved his young friend’s life in a swimming incident earlier this year, received a surprise visit last week from Sen. Harry Vose, D-Meddybemps, and Rep. Tony Tammaro, D-Baileyville. Vose and Tammaro presented Pinney with a Legislative Sentiment that recognized his outstanding accomplishment.

One day last summer, Bob Townsend, his 5-year-old son Jonathan and Pinney went to an area on the St. Croix River known as Black’s Bridge. The boys, who had walked ahead of Townsend, ran down the embankment and dove into the water.

Townsend said that when he took them to the river, the boys usually stayed in the shallow water. This time, he said, Pinney, who is a strong swimmer, swam out to the deep water. When Jonathan tried to follow, the younger boy found himself in water over his head, and he sank below the surface.

Pinney was hanging onto a log when he saw his young friend go under. He let go of the log and grabbed Jonathan. At that point, Townsend realized what had happened and ran into the water to assist. Townsend said there was no question in his mind that Pinney had saved his son’s life. He said he might have been able to get to the 5-year-old, but the strong current in the area could have pulled the youngster further away from shore.

Vose and Tammaro congratulated Pinney on his quick action and praised him in front of his classmates. The young man, who appeared overwhelmed by the attention, thanked the two legislators.