Date: Fri 16-Apr-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

emergency-Lake-Zoar-Paugussett

Full Text:

Wet Feet In Lower Paugessett

Sandy Hook firefighters and the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps responded

the afternoon of April 11 to Lower Paugussett State Forest after they received

a report that a man had fallen into the Housatonic River.

Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire and Rescue Chief Bill Halstead said Henry Jopoiz,

50, of Bridgeport had been walking along the river in the state forest with

several people when he apparently stumbled and fell into the river.

Sandy Hook's rescue truck and an ambulance went to the 4:15 pm call. Newtown

Hook and Ladder and the Newtown Underwater Search and Rescue (NUSAR) dive team

were turned back before they reached the scene, Chief Halstead said.

After arriving, firefighters found Jopoiz, who was conscious and alert, out of

the water with his pant legs wet up to his knees at the turnaround on Great

Quarter Road. He complained of back pain, Chief Halstead said.

The ambulance corps transported him to Danbury Hospital for treatment, Chief

Halstead said.