SFS Airman saves life, helps team win competition Published June 9, 2006 By Stan Mrzygod 92nd Civil Engineering Squadron FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A member of Team Fairchild and the “Your Worst Nightmare Dream Team” saved another competitor’s life in the 20th Annual Yakima Greenway Foundation “Gap 2 Gap” relay June 3. Between his two running events Tech. Sgt. Michael Bergquist, 92nd Security Forces Squadron patrolman, swam to the rescue of an exhausted female “iron” contestant whose kayak had overturned in the swift flowing and chilly Yakima River. The rescue site was in a bad spot given the brush and the fast water. Other participants were reluctant to re-enter the river even with a whitewater equipped boat and life vests. Because of a lack of action, Sergeant Bergquist took charge, swam in and got the woman to shore. Although she had been thrown a rescue line, it succeeded only in complicating the situation as it marooned her in deep, moving water. The hypothermic contestant was on the verge of losing her grip and being swept under her swamped kayak when Sergeant Bergquist intervened and assisted her to shore Many times in like situations the well intended rescuers become victims themselves. Fortunately all turned out well. The rescued woman eventually warmed up enough to continue on with the competition. Although only being in the cold water for a short time, Sergeant Bergquist was thoroughly chilled himself. In true championship form and only a half an hour later, he sufficiently recovered to run the second fastest 5 K of the day in a field of 50 runners. His courageous rescue was lauded and applauded by all at the closing ceremony.