Franklin, New Hampshire, Sergeant is Being Hailed a Hero

A sad story came out of Franklin, New Hampshire, over the weekend. According to a post on the Franklin Police Department's Facebook page, on March 1, 2024, at around 4 in the afternoon, they received a call. An unidentified man near the Franklin Library was screaming for help and pleading for someone to call 9-1-1. The post says the man appeared to be wet.

They later learned that the male, Michael Stewart of West Bow Street, had been canoeing with his two children (aged 3 and 5) on the river in the vicinity of Franklin Library.

The canoe capsized, and all three were dumped into the frigid water.

Sgt. Walker of the Franklin Police Department responded and immediately entered the water. He was able to locate both children and handed them off to Officer Hart, who had obtained a water rescue device.

The post goes on to explain that Franklin Fire Department Fire and EMS responded and took charge of treating the children. One child was Life Flighted to Dartmouth-Hitchcock Hospital. The other child was transported to Concord Hospital at Franklin for treatment.

Last we heard, the child at Franklin was conscious and interactive. The Life Flighted child is being treated.

Michael Stewart has been charged with DUI Vessel, and other charges are expected.

The community is saddened to hear that these children were put in a scary and potentially life-threatening situation, and are commending the bravery and fast actions of Sgt. Walker. He did not think twice about diving into the freezing cold water to save these children. He was actually treated for hypothermia himself. He is a true hero in every sense of the word, and the Franklin, New Hampshire, community is immensely proud.