GADSDEN, Ala. — A former captain of a rescue squad has been arrested on an indictment in the death of a fellow squad member who drowned during a recovery effort in April.
WAAYtv reported that Michael Bettis, 49, was served with one count of criminally negligent homicide. He was the squad captain when a member died on April 25 after a boat capsized during a recovery operation.
Vicky Houston Ryan, 46, was killed after being swept out of a boat that was swamped by water after getting too close to a dam. Squad members were looking for a kayaker who was presumed drowned.
Ryan and Bettis were members of the Etowah County Rescue Squad.
Bettis is being held in a detention center on a $2,500 bond. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is leading the investigation.