Terrebonne moves on; Bourgeois season ends
November 7, 2006
Bad driving ends with drug arrest
November 9, 2006(Posted Nov. 7, 2006)
Two Harbor Police officers were honored recently with the department’s Life Saving Award for an emergency rescue this past spring. The award is given to Harbor Police whose prompt and alert actions result in saving a life.
Officers Jason Plaisance and Brant Constransitch were recognized earlier this month for their quick action on April 23 after receiving a call from the Newpark Resource, a tank cleaning service, off Port Fourchon, according to the port’s director of security John Callais.
“One of the employees observed that two of his fellow workers were having difficulties and needed serious medical attention due to inhaling unidentified toxic fumes,” he said. “Once the officers were on the scene they reported that the two men were unconscious in a tank.”
The security director said the officers, who were outfitted with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) gear used in riots and non-toxic atmospheres, put themselves in harm’s way since the masks are not equipped to protect against hazardous fumes.
“Their minds weren’t on whether or not they had the proper equipment or mask,” said Harbor Police Captain Larry Terry. “Their main focus was to get the people out of the tank and fast.”
Callais said Plaisance and Constransitch removed the men from the tank safely. The two were loaded to a Lafourche Parish ambulance and transported to Our Lady of the Sea Hospital for treatment, he said.
It wasn’t until the incident was over that the Harbor Police officers learned that the tank was used at an offshore platform that produced H2S, a potentially lethal substance, Terry said. “Their efforts prevented the loss of life and upheld the highest traditions of the Harbor Police and the Greater Lafourche Port Commission,” he added.
Plaisance is an 8-year veteran of the Harbor Police; Constransitch joined the agency two years ago.
“We are very proud of these officers and see the value of training they receive as an asset to this community,” said Port Fourchon Executive Director Ted Falgout.
