Marine, police officer drown trying to save lives

[Vulture6]

Marine, police officer drown trying to save lives
Associated Press

SHEPHERD, Texas — A deputy constable and a Marine on leave from Iraq both died trying to save lives when they drowned in the Trinity River, unable to battle the powerful currents.

Bernardo Vasquez, 21, drowned Thursday afternoon after jumping into the river to help his uncle, 40-year-old Mario Linares, who was struggling in the water. Linares survived after currents swept him onto a sandbar.

Deputy Constable Denny “Bo” Galloway, 34, arrived at the scene with three other officers after receiving a 911 call. He dove into the river to save Vasquez, who had disappeared under the water. But the Marine did not resurface and Galloway, too, fell victim to the current.

“He did not know this man. It didn’t matter. He knew he had to save his life,” Jerry Everitt, Precinct 2 constable in San Jacinto County, said about Galloway — who had spent all night Wednesday working at the scene of a fatal train collision.

Vasquez, who had gone to the river to cool off with relatives during a family barbecue, had been home from Iraq for a week and was scheduled to return Tuesday. He had flown to Houston to visit his mother and grandfather before traveling to San Jacinto County to spend time with Linares and other relatives.

San Jacinto authorities said the site of the drownings was a dangerous section of the river, claiming as many as 20 lives in recent years. The bodies of both men were recovered later on Thursday.

Galloway is survived by a wife and three young sons. He was remembered Friday by wreaths of white carnations and roses hung on doors across San Jacinto County — along with fond memories of his bravery and dedication to law enforcement, especially the fight against methamphetamine labs.

“He wanted to make a difference,” Everitt said. “He’s what I would call a hero in everybody’s book.”

Vasquez’s family, friends and local residents were left shaking their heads at the cruel irony of a life spared from warfare yet taken at home.

“It was a guy who just came back from fighting in Iraq,” said San Jacinto County sheriff’s Lt. Leonard Johnson. “How could that be?”

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press.

[TejanoRey]

was told by this through an uncle today...i live in TX and this news got to me quick....its a shame that this had happened....that Marine is now up there with Chesty and all the other Leathernecks that gave their all.

[AngelBear]

This was a very sad situation... the family was celebrating him being home from Iraq. One thing is the Trinity River is notorious for drownings yet people keep going there to swim...

God bless them both. RIP

[armyinfmom63]

So sorry to hear this. It is really sad. My brother was a Lance Coporal in the Marines in the late 70's early 80's. So I hate to hear of anything like this from this branch also. My thoughts go out to their families.

[Grimmy]

Death can find you anywhere at any time. It's best to keep that in mind.

This is also a reminder that not all our heroic men and women in uniform are military. As much as we love to hate em in our culture, I cant imagine how brutal life would be without the dedication of our citizens in law enforcement.

Rest in Peace, Marine.
Rest in Peace, Deputy.

[SpongeJuan]

You can have the most dangerous job in the world and not die, but have the safest job in the world and get hit by a bus when you are going back home and die. You just never know when you are going to get it.

[SGRock]

One of the best Marines I knew, Sgt. Al Shepard (AKA Wardog), went to Desert Storm even though his EAS was up the second week of his deployment. When he returned he and his family went to Myrtle Beach to celebrate. While walking along the beach he saw three boys being pulled out by the tide. He immediately swam out and brought two back to shore. He drowned trying to bring the third back in. The ironic thing about this was that my friend could never pass the swim qual. he sank like a rock every time.
I know I may be para-phrasing but there is no love greater than he who gives his life for another.
these men are truly blessed by God and they are truly in Heaven. They truly carry the message of SEMPER FIDELIS.