Heroic Rescue of Vassalboro Man by Maine State Trooper Captured on Video

Maine got to experience a true hero in action recently.

According to Shannon Moss from the Maine Department of Safety, early this past Wednesday morning the Maine State Police were searching for an 82-year-old man who had wandered away from his Vassalboro home.

Bernard Perry had disappeared earlier that night.

Perry suffers from Alzheimer's disease, a common form of dementia that affects brain function. According to the Mayo Clinic, wandering is a common behavior for folks suffering from Alzheimer's.

As one would imagine, wandering is a seriously dangerous situation. Acting quickly is a must for a search crew, especially with inclement weather. Wednesday morning was certainly that.

A mix of snow and ice made this search anything but routine.

The troopers did catch a break, though. According to Moss, the state police received a tip from a plow driver who had seen a man walking in the area in the early hours. That led Trooper Tyler Harrington to Mudget Hill Rd. where he was able to locate Perry.

It was not a minute too soon. Moss added that Perry was suffering from hypothermia and frostbite. He was unable to walk.

However, that didn't matter to Trooper Harrington, who ended up carrying Perry to his police cruiser and waited for EMTs to arrive.

Perry is now recovering in the hospital thanks to the heroic efforts of Trooper Harrington and the Maine State Police.

It's refreshing to read a tragedy that ends in triumph. It's difficult to fathom how scary a situation like this is. Not to sound overly dramatic, but this easily could have ended with heartbreak. A disoriented individual lost in inclement weather is a recipe for disaster.

Thank goodness for these heroes.

I was fortunate enough to work for the Alzheimer's Association. Not only did I learn every little detail about this horrendous disease, but also the endless stress and heartache it can put on a family.

I can't even begin to think how relieved Mr. Perry's family is.

Following the rescue, the Maine State Police put out a statement of gratitude for Trooper Harrington

We are grateful Bernard Perry was found in a timely manner and is recuperating. We are also thankful for Trooper Harrington, Maine State Police Troopers and all Law Enforcement Officers in Maine who do an extraordinary job protecting the citizens of Maine and all those who visit our great state.

Thank you, Trooper Harrington and all those in this great state. It's good to know you have our collective back.

If you or someone you know has concerns about brain health, the Alzheimer's Association, Maine Chapter can help. You can find them here.

Here's the dramatic video courtesy of the Maine State Police and the Perry family.