2012-0343
Title
In Recognition: Ritchie Friloux and Johnny Polk
Body
The Parish of St. Charles
October 1, 2012
IN RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, on Saturday, August 4, 2012, Ritchie Friloux and Johnny Polk risked their lives to rescue two fellow fishermen, Chad and Chuck Colombel from Lake Cataouatche after being struck by lightning; and,
WHEREAS, the men were out participating in the 4th Annual Fishing for Frankie Bass Tournament when a thunderstorm developed and moved fast in their direction, bringing strong winds, blinding rain, and severe lightning; and,
WHEREAS, Ritchie and Johnny were in the Tank Ponds with four other boats when the weather came. They sought cover by lying on the bottom of their boat. The rain was so heavy that they could barely see the other boats around them and then four bolts of lightning struck real fast near them; and,
WHEREAS, Ritchie heard someone yell out after the lightning strikes and he looked around and noticed Chuck Colombel waving his arms. The trolling motor on his Ranger boat was on fire about 100 yards away. The rain had let up a little, so Ritchie cranked up his motor and went over to help them out; and,
WHEREAS, when they arrived, Chuck had put out the fire and Chad Colombel was lying semi-conscious on the front of the boat. With the help of two other fishermen, Greg and David Bourdonnay, they loaded Chad into Ritchie's boat and took off for Pier 90 in Avondale; and,
WHEREAS, while Ritchie drove 74 mph across Lake Cataouatche, Johnny called 911 to have emergency responders waiting at Pier 90 and tried to comfort Chad by talking to him; and,
WHEREAS, while bringing Chad to Pier 90, the Bourdonnay brothers stayed with Chuck at the Colombel's boat where he started to have trouble with his pacemaker due to the lightning strike and they had to bring him to the Pier 90 dock as well for medical assistance; and,
WHEREAS, the Colombel brothers were transported to West Jefferson Medical Center and released 24 hours later; and,
WHEREAS, both Ritchie and Johnny should be publicly recognized for their unselfish act in risking their own lives to save the lives of their fellow fishermen.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT WE, THE MEMBERS OF THE ST. CHARLES PARISH COUNCIL AND THE PARISH PRESIDENT, duly assembled on this 1st day of October, 2012, hereby offer this tribute in appreciation and recognition to
RITCHIE FRILOUX
and
JOHNNY POLK
For their unselfish and courageous act
in rescuing
Chad and Chuck Colombel
"PARISH OF PLENTY"
created in 1807 from the county of the
"German Coast", a parish of
unprecedented economic and social
development, known for its
hospitality, rural living and sporting
opportunitiesÂ… with the added
distinction of being located
on both sides of the
Mighty Mississippi River.