Special Officer Webster C. Gentry

Webster C. Gentry

Special Officer Webster Gentry drowned while attempting to rescue a family that had become stranded during a period of flooding in the city.

Officer Gentry dove into the water and had succeeded in rescuing three of the family members, but became entangled in some submerged barbed wire when he attempted to rescue a child. His body was recovered the following day.

Officer Gentry had been appointed a special officer earlier in the day as a result of the severe flooding. He was issued a gun and badge and assigned to one of the more affected areas.

He was survived by his wife and 15-month-old daughter.