On June 23, the Cottonwood Police Department and the Verde Valley Fire District collaborated on a successful rescue mission on the Verde River near the Bignotti river access point located within the Prescott National Forest and the Cottonwood city limits.
The incident began when the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance in locating a mother and her 8-year-old daughter who had become separated from their family while floating the river.
The distressed mother had called 911 from her cell phone, reporting that they were stranded on a large rock and her phone battery was critically low.
CPD gathered location details and relayed them to responding officers, including Officer Zebediah Schoemaker.
Fortunately, VVFD personnel, engaged in a training exercise nearby, swiftly responded to the Bignotti area.
Sgt. Nathan Huibregtse and Schoemaker coordinated efforts with the family and used information that the family had launched their excursion from Black Canyon Bignotti river access point, becoming separated en route to Thousand Trails Bignotti river access.
Officer Connor Rafferty was directed to initiate search efforts from the Black Canyon Wash area, enhancing collaboration with fire department teams.
Approximately three-quarters of a mile upstream from the point of separation, Schoemaker made contact with VVFD crews, who had successfully located the mother and daughter. Schoemaker carried the girl to a designated rally point, while a fireman and Huibregtse assisted in escorting the mother safely back to reunite with her family along with their boat.
Despite experiencing minor injuries and dehydration, both the mother and daughter were in stable condition.
“I am proud of Officer Schoemaker and the entire team for their swift and decisive actions,” Dowell stated. “This operation exemplifies the dedication and professionalism of our department and our partners at Verde Valley Fire Department.”
For further information, contact Cottonwood Police Department Public Information Officer Cmdr. Gareth Braxton-Johnson at gjohnson@cottonwoodaz.gov.
