In a challenging rescue operation in Windsor, New Hampshire, emergency responders successfully freed a child who had become trapped between two boulders. The incident, which occurred near the Wediko School, a residential treatment center for adolescent boys, lasted for more than nine hours.
The young individual, estimated to be 11 or 12 years old, was extricated from the rocky predicament at approximately 3:15 a.m. on September 16, 2024. Following the rescue, the child was promptly transported to a medical facility for evaluation.
Kenny Stafford, the Hillsborough Fire Department Chief, reported that firefighters received the distress call shortly before 6 p.m. on September 15. The rescue team employed ropes and lubricant to carefully maneuver the child out of the confined space between the boulders.
Windsor, a small town with a population of 276 as of the 2020 census, is situated about 30 miles west of Concord, the state capital. The community, incorporated in 1798, spans an area of 44.6 square miles and is part of the scenic Monadnock Region, known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
The Wediko School, founded in 1934 as a summer therapeutic program, is located near the site of the incident. This institution provides specialized care for middle and high school boys, offering a unique setting in the "Granite State."
New Hampshire's rugged terrain and extensive network of over 4,000 miles of hiking trails often necessitate complex rescue operations. The state's emergency services, including the volunteer-based Mountain Rescue Service, frequently collaborate on challenging missions in wilderness areas.
The Hillsborough Fire Department, established in 1887, led the multi-agency effort to rescue the child. This incident highlights the importance of New Hampshire's robust search and rescue infrastructure, which is crucial given the state's mountainous landscape and the presence of the vast White Mountain National Forest, covering approximately 750,000 acres.
As the community reflects on this successful rescue, it serves as a reminder of the dedication and skill of New Hampshire's emergency responders, who stand ready to assist in even the most unusual and demanding situations.