LAKEPORT >> The Lake County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday identified the deputy in critical condition after he and his 11 year old son were rescued off the Mendocino coast as Jacob Steely.
The boy was treated and released from Mendocino Coast District Hospital, and appears to be making a full physical recovery, according to LCSO Lt. Steve Brooks. Steely was airlifted to Enloe Hospital in Chico, California to their Neurological, Trauma, Surgical, Intensive Care Unit for additional treatment.
His condition as of Wednesday afternoon remained critical. During his treatment, however, there have been signs of his physical condition improving.
“This recovery process is predicted to be long and challenging,” Brooks said in a press statement. “It is too early at this point to predict what Jake’s condition will be. We are all praying for a full recovery.”
On Monday Steely was on a family outing to the Mendocino coast when he and his son were swept into the sea. They drifted away from the shore, which was steep and rocky, forcing responders to call for a boat rescue.
According to Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ed O’Brien, a Mendocino County deputy and another man were able to throw an inflatable device to the boy. But Steely continued to drift further away. He was unconscious when a jet ski team reached him. O’Brien estimated he had stopped struggling for four or five minutes.
A team of 8 responders administered CPR and worked to save his life before he was transported to a hospital.
Steely entered law enforcement as a police officer for the Lakeport Police Department in 2007. After spending three years with that agency he was hired as a deputy sheriff with the LCSO. He has held positions working patrol, SWAT, and is a canine handler.
“Deputy steely is a dedicated, committed, and caring law enforcement officer with deep roots in this community,” Brooks said. “He is universally respected by his peers for his abilities, character, and professionalism.”
Steely is surrounded by friends and family at the hospital during his recovery efforts.
A fund for those wishing to make donations to assist his family has been established in the name of “Dep. Jake Steely Family” at Mendo-Lake Credit Union in Lakeport. A Go Fund Me account has also been created where donations can be made.
The law enforcement community, along with Steely’s family and friends, is now planning a fundraiser to assist his family with expenses.
“It is anticipated that Jake’s family will encounter many unexpected expenses and have many unmet needs,” Brooks said.
