When Thursday goes from afternoon to evening, the City of Bridgeport will officially pay respects to a man who gave his life more than six decades ago in an attempt to save the lives of several children. At  6 p.m., under a tented area near Hinkle Lake, a granite memorial bench will be dedicated in memory of the heroic efforts of Oscar Leonard Jeffers.

 

“This is something long overdue and it’s something that is certainly merited,” said Assistant City Manager Jimmy Smith.

 

It would be hard to argue Smith’s point. It was more than 61 years ago – on Jan. 2, 1953 to be exact – that Jeffers gave his life in an attempt to save others. On that day, Jeffers dove into the freezing waters of Hinkle Lake after being flagged down by kids. The kids had let Jeffers know that their friends had fallen into the lake.

 

Three kids that day had went out onto what they thought was a body of water that was frozen solid. All three fell through, while two of their friends that weren’t out on the lake – David Sanders and Jim Gulick –flagged down Jeffers who was in his car. Jeffers, a World War II veteran was fully clothed and recovering from back surgery. Despite that, he dove in and went after the one youth still visible and clinging to the edge of the ice.

 

Although it can’t ever be determined, it’s likely the freezing temperature and water-weighted clothes led Jeffers being unable to pull the final youngster to safety. And it’s likely what also led to his own death.

 

Even though it was national news at the time – in the pre-information age – the matter has faded from the memory of most. Many that remember it are no longer alive, while others pass near the area and have no recollection of what took place.

 

Recently, however, members of the Bridgeport City Council decided it was time to change that.  The city’s governing body, with the blessing of the Jeffers’ family, gave the go ahead to install the memorial that will be unveiled tomorrow evening.

 

“My father (Don) was four when this happened to his dad and my grandfather who I never met. My family is all pretty down-to-earth folks and I can honestly say they were never offended that there was no memorial of what he did that day, but I can also tell you that when the topic came up they all thought it was a nice idea,” said Patrick Jeffers, the grandson of the late Oscar Leonard Jeffers. “It’s amazing to think back and realize my grandfather had three kids under the age of nine when that happened. What’s even more amazing is the site that’s been chose for the memorial is almost directly across the house on the lake that we used to live in. I think it’s going to be a special day for our family.”

 

All three of Oscar Jeffers’ children will be in attendance. Patrick Jeffers said that along with his father Don, who still lives in Bridgeport, that both of his aunts will be in town for the ceremony. Deana Jeffers Wills from El Cajone, Ca. and Fran Jeffers Morgan of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

 

“There will be other family members there as well; particularly grandchildren and great grandchildren,” said Patrick Jeffers.

 

Others are also welcome to attend. Smith said the event is open to the public and refreshments will be served, while brief comments and a ceremony will take place shortly after 6 p.m.

 

Jeffers said he’s worked with Smith and Parks and Recreation Director Don Burton on the memorial process. He said he’s thankful for everyone’s involvement.

 

“I’d like to thank them both. Jimmy Smith has just been incredibly helpful through this process,” said Patrick Jeffers.

 

The memorial could be in place as early as today. Smith said he plans on having the city cover it until its official unveiling Thursday.

 

Click HERE to read a blog on the entire incident.
 

Editor's Note: Pictured above, courtesy of the Jeffers family, is a photo of the late Oscar Jeffers. Below, Patrick Jeffers is shown serving as a member of the Bridgeport Planning Commission. Patrick is one of Oscar Jeffers' grandchildren.