Poulters' son saves girl's life

Idaho Falls police officer Steven Poulter, son of Roger and Mary Jane Poulter of Bonsall, has been credited with saving the life of a girl who fell into the Snake River.

Poulter responded to a call saying the girl was clinging to rocks in the raging river. He got a rope from his vehicle and jumped into the water. The rope burned his left hand, but he was able to reach the girl and protect her until other emergency workers arrived and tossed ropes to him so he could move the girl 65 feet to the shore.

Officer Poulter has been treated for severe injuries to his hand, including skin grafts. He was modest about the incident and family members attribute his rescue ability to his excellent swimming skills and years growing up near the beach.

Poulter, along with his wife, Kay, attended the July 12 Bonsall Chamber of Commerce Sundowner while visiting his parents.