By Sean Olson
Albuquerque Journal (New Mexico)
Copyright 2006 Albuquerque Journal
When James Ridgway disappeared under the freeway, helpless against the raging waters of a flooded arroyo, he was pretty scared.
“The whole time I was in there, I was praying they would reach me in time,” Ridgway said.
Albuquerque firefighters did reach the 15-year-old in time and on Tuesday were given kudos for their efforts.
Ridgway, a Manzano High School student, was pulled from the water by firefighters after traveling five miles in diversion channels during a storm Saturday evening.
Mayor Martin Chávez held a news conference Tuesday to honor Ridgway’s rescuers.
“I just want to thank you guys for bringing my son home to me,” said an emotional Jean Ridgway, James’ mother, at the conference. “You guys are angels.”
Chávez singled out APD firefighters Eddie Gutierrez and Mike Martinez as “heroes” who pulled Ridgway out of the water. Gutierrez shrugged off the compliments, saying he and the rest of the department were just doing their jobs.
“That’s what firefighters do, we train for this and try to save lives,” Gutierrez said.
Ridgway said he was taking a walk in the rain with a friend when he dropped his keys on the ledge of an arroyo near his home. When he went to reach for the keys, he tumbled into the water and was swept away.
The wild ride left Ridgway with cuts, scrapes and hypothermia. He was taken to University of New Mexico Hospital.
Chávez said since the city started specialized rescue training in the late ‘80s, there have been no drownings in the city’s diversion channels. Saturday’s rescue is another example of the training paying off.
“Had they not been there to intercept, (Ridgway) would not be here today,” Chávez said.
The mayor brought some pets in need of homes to the news conference, introducing two puppies up for adoption. Chávez said he wil bring would be bringing homeless pets to all his news conferences.
His first offering, “Lucky,” went home with the Ridgways following the event.