Bridgeport Fire Department performed quite an unusual rescue today at Hinkle Lake.  

 

“It was different alright,” said Interim Fire Chief Phil Hart.

 

The object that needed retrieved from the water was a porta potty that has been stationed near the dam for about five years to accommodate fishermen and trail walkers.

 

It was discovered this morning that the portable restroom was afloat; well, part of it.

 

“It was pretty well submerged, but the base of it was sticking out of the water,” Hart said. “It was upside down and the waste product was drained out of it.”

 

After likely being shoved into the lake, water drained over the porta potty, lodging it underneath the water. Bridgeport Parks and Recreation staffers discovered it, but the department didn’t have a long enough pole to fish it out, said Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton.

 

It just so happened that the fire department had the ideal equipment to retrieve it.

 

“We have this device that is basically used underwater to locate a victim who may be in the water,” Hart said. “It has a small hook on it where the camera goes on the end of it and we can see the bottom of the water – the lake or the river – so if there’s a person in there we can hook them, then retrieve them with a rope. We just took that pole with a hook and extended it out about 30 feet and were able to latch on the bottom of the base and pull it to shore.”

 

After letting the remaining water and debris drain out, the portable restroom was left on the bank so McCarthy, the company from which it has been leased can pick it up this afternoon.

 

Hart said the only other time members of his department have utilized the equipment which was used today was during training.

“Of all the guys I’ve talked with – and some with several years of experience, along with myself – no one had ever encountered a rescue – well, we’ll call it a recovery – like this,” Hart said. “It was pretty unique and different.”

 

The department's C shift, under the direction of Jacob Thompson, performed the operation. Tyler Peasak, who provided the photos just above, was part of the effort. 

 

Although the fire department had never been summoned for a porta-potty recovery, this is not the first time one has gone missing or been toppled over, Burton said.

 

However, it won’t be happening again – at least at Hinkle Lake. The one being picked up today will not be replaced.  

 

“I just told them not to bother leaving another one, Burton said.