L’Observateur / September 30, 2000

ST. ROSE – A driver who plunged into the canal alongside Airline Drive nearInterstate 310 early Sept. 25 nearly died.But three St. Charles Parish sheriff’s deputies arrived in time.Joe Brown, 50, of Kenner, was northbound on Airline at 2:30 a.m. when hestruck a car parked on the shoulder, according to Trooper Sgt. Carl Saizanof Louisiana State Police Troop B.

Brown’s 1981 Chevrolet C-1500 pickup went out of control, plunged into the canal and rolled over, trapping Brown underwater.

Fortunately for Brown, Saizan continued, the accident was witnessed by Sgt.

Paul Adams and Deputy Joe Ganote of the St. Charles Sheriff’s Office.The pair immediately plunged into the water, retrieved Brown (who was not showing any vital signs at this point) and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Soon they were joined at the scene by Detective Chad Robicheaux, who assisted in the effort, and together they restored Brown’s vital signs.

Brown was transported to St. Charles Parish Hospital in Luling, where he isreported in stable condition. Trooper Greg Marchand handled the accidentreport.

Saizan said it appeared alcohol was a factor in the accident.

“I can tell you for certain that if those three gentlemen weren’t seconds behind, he’d have never made it,” Saizan commented. “They did an excellentjob.”

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