Those of us who work or live in the Snoqualmie Valley have a young man in our midst that we need to recognize. His name is Jonathan Laine.

Jonathan showed a clarity of mind and spirit that few young men at his age display, when he dove into the Snoqualmie River a few weeks ago to find the man he heard yell for help.

Jonathan was sitting in the dentist’s chair when he heard the cry, and after diving in, spent nearly 30 minutes in what was quite likely 45 degree water, trying to help someone he didn’t know.

I know this because I watched him from the bank. There were a number of citizens on both sides of the river, as well as some 30 first responders trying to see the man in the water. Jonathan was the only one not wearing cold water gear who was actually in the water.

While this didn’t turn out the way that Jonathan would have liked, he should know that we saw him give all he could, and I for one hope that Jonathan is somewhere close if I ever need a Good Samaritan.

Randy Popp

Fall City