State Police Recognize Oswego County Man for Life Saving Rescue

OSWEGO COUNTY – On June 30, 2025, State Police Lieutenant Scott T. Kedenburg, presented a certificate of appreciation award to an Oswego County man who State Police credit with saving the life of another individual.

The award, presented to Joshua R. Blackwell from Phoenix, NY, is the result of an incident that occurred on April 27,2025.  At approximately 2:28pm, Mr. Blackwell arrived home from work when his wife alerted him to a vehicle crash across the road.  The vehicle was traveling on County Route 46 near Mr. Blackwell’s residence, when it exited the roadway, struck a guiderail, traveled down a steep embankment, and went into the Oswego River under the Hinmansville Bridge.

Mr. Blackewell immediately exited his residence and observed the vehicle floating in the Oswego River.  From his assessment, Mr. Blackwell could tell the operator was still inside the vehicle.  Without hesitation, Mr. Blackwell traversed a steep hill and entered the frigid water, while fighting a strong current.  Mr. Blackwell swam up to the vehicle and observed the operator kicking his window in an attempt to break the glass and exit the vehicle, but he was unable to do so.  Mr. Blackwell grabbed a rock from the shoreline and used it to strike and break the window on the driver’s side of the vehicle, allowing him to remove the victim from the vehicle.  Mr. Blackwell was then able to drag the victim through the swift waters to the shore as the vehicle totally submerged and settled on the bottom of the river.

Subsequently, law enforcement, fire departments and emergency medical services arrived on scene and rendered assistance to the victim.

Mr. Blackwell is commended for his efforts and congratulated for saving the victim’s life.  Mr. Blackwell risked his own safety to save a stranger’s life, who undoubtedly would not have survived this incident without his help.  As a result of Mr. Blackwell’s selfless heroic actions, the victim is alive today.

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