The Village of Paw Paw on Monday, July 14, praised the efforts of Village of Paw Paw Police Chief Eric Rottman for his life saving actions in a report of a possible drowning that occurred that day in Ludington, Mich.
On Monday, July 14, at approximately 11:55 a.m., the Ludington Police Department, Ludington Fire Department, and Life EMS were dispatched to Stearns Beach in response to a report of a possible drowning involving a teenage female. The initial caller reported that the individual was being pulled from the water by friends.
A Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officer, who was in the vicinity at the time, was the first to arrive on scene, followed shortly by officers from the Ludington Police Department and a Michigan State Police Trooper. Upon arrival, first responders found an 18-year-old female from Ada, Mich. who was breathing and now had a pulse.
First responders immediately placed the individual in the recovery position and administered appropriate first aid until Life EMS arrived and assumed care. The victim was transported to Corewell Health Ludington Hospital Emergency Department, where she was stabilized before being airlifted by AeroMed to Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. As of the time of this release, the patient remains in critical but stable condition.
The press release concluded, “The Ludington Police Department would like to express sincere gratitude to the bystanders who acted quickly and decisively, helping to remove the victim from the water. Special thanks are also extended to Village of Paw Paw Police Department Chief Eric Rottman and a family member, who immediately began CPR efforts that are believed to have been lifesaving.
“We also extend our appreciation to all agencies that provided assistance, including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State Police, Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Ludington Fire Department, and Life EMS.”
Friday, July 18, 2025
