Treasure Lake has New Rescue Boat Thanks to Local Runner

TREASURE LAKE---Residents and visitors of Treasure Lake can enjoy the water a little more safely after the formation of a water rescue team there.

The Fire Department had some help raising the funds to purchase the new boat.

Last year, 22-year-old Jordan Andrulonis died in a drowning accident at Treasure Lake, now his uncle has ensured that his memory will live on through the Treasure Lake Water Rescue Team that could certainly save lives in the future.

Barry Andrulonis ran the Boston Marathon in April, raising nearly $21,000 for Treasure Lake to purchase a water rescue boat.

Treasure Lake Fire Chief, Corey Tost, said, “Last August was the biggest tragedy we’ve had up here as of lately with the death of Jordan and the drowning accident. Since that time, it opened the eyes of the community as well as some of our own members, and we were able to gain the funding, with the help of Barry and some of the other family members, to purchase the water rescue equipment.”

And if running 26.2 miles isn’t hard enough, Andrulonis had an injury to contend with.

“About in mile nine, I came down on my heel and it fractured, so the remainder of 17 miles was a little difficult,” Andrulonis said, “But that was three hours and 51 minutes of a little bit of suffering, and these guys voluntarily put their lives on the line for us.”

All his efforts made Treasure Lake a safer place to enjoy.

“The response time for an ambulance or emergency personnel, you’re looking at anywhere from 15, 20, 25 minutes to respond to the lake,” said paramedic, David McAllister, “And although it was a horrible tragedy that happened, it has turned out to be a blessing to get this boat for the residents and the other people coming into Treasure Lake.”

Andrulonis said he’s humbled by the outpour of support he’s received from the community, the firefighters, and his family.

“Betty and Tim, Jordan’s mom and dad, I can’t thank them enough for allowing me to do this. I know it brought back some tough memories for them, as well as the firemen, who are still dealing with some tough memories,” Andrulonis said, “I think we all healed a little bit through this, no doubt. We came away from it with a little better feeling, got some great friendships out of it, lasting friendships, no doubt, so I just thank everyone for their support.”

Treasure Lake Firefighters say the new boat is the most sought after rescue boat on the market. It can operate in as little as four inches of water, meaning it can be used for flood rescues as well as lake rescues.

They say their team will be completely state certified for any kind of water situation by the end of the summer.