JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A father and son are being credited with rescuing a missing six-year-old boy from a neighborhood lake on Tuesday, August 25.
Eric Hockenberg, Sr., was alerted to the missing child by a neighbor and began searching a nearby lake with his son, Eric Hockenberg Jr. Hockenberg, Sr., spotted the boy in the water, submerged up to his chest, and directed his son to his location. Hockenberg Jr. went to the boy and brought him to his father, who pulled him from the water.
The boy, who is autistic, was uninjured and was safely reunited with his parents.
On Wednesday, September 2, Jefferson Township Mayor Eric Wilsusen presented the father and son with the Jefferson Township Civilian Award, recognizing their selfless actions. Wilsusen said their quick response and teamwork prevented what could have been a tragic outcome, reuniting the boy safely with his family.
