Leamington man recognized by OPP for rescue efforts

By Pat Bailey

Awaking from a little nap in his car at the Kingsville Harbor in August 2010, Sam Maksoud heard a noise that sounded like 'help'.

Still a little drowsy, the Leamington man first thought it was the sound of a seagull and then he saw a man in the water, clinging to the edge of the harbor.

Knowing there was a conservation officer in the area, Maksoud ran to find him — realizing he would need help to pull this man from the water.

After locating Corey Robertson of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the pair searched for some rope so they could loop it around the man struggling to hold on.

He was holding onto a bolt, while attempting to tread water, said Maksoud of the man who had already been in the water for about 25 minutes before Maksoud heard his call for help.

With Robertson's help, they were able to pull the Windsor man to safety.

By then, Maksoud said OPP officers and paramedics were on scene.

And on Friday, Maksoud was recognized for his efforts.

He received a citation from OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis, presented by local officers Darin Rickeard and Kevin O'Neil.

O'Neil applauded Maksoud's efforts and said it is important to acknowledge those things done by everyday people.

For Maksoud, 56, a retire Ford employee, it was his part-time job with Presteve Foods that led him to the harbor that day.

He said he had made a run there to pick up fish, but fell asleep while waiting for the boat that he discovered was going to be about two hours late.

The man he helped rescue, had been fishing when Maksoud first arrived.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.