Leonard and Rosemary Wallace, the couple from Steuben who rescued a mother and her two children from a car that was sinking in Fox Pond last weekend, will be recognized by the Maine Legislature.

Maine State Police posted a message on Facebook saying the couple will be honored at 11 a.m. Thursday in a ceremony at the State House. Rep. Richard Malaby, a Republican from Hancock, said he will introduce the Wallaces to the Legislature before they receive a “legislative sentiment” recognizing them for their bravery.

“I’ve known Leonard for 25 years,” Malaby said Wednesday night. “He would probably tell you he is not a hero, but God bless him for being there.”

The Wallaces were fishing from the shore of Fox Pond in Township 10 on Saturday afternoon when a car went off Route 182 on a sharp curve and flew over Leonard Wallace’s head. He waded out to the partially submerged car and pulled 2-month-old Tanner Kjenstad, 3-year-old Georgia Parker and the children’s mother, 38-year-old Mandi Parker of Jonesboro, to safety.

State police credited the Wallaces with saving three lives.

Parker, who was returning from a methadone clinic in Bangor, was later charged with driving after suspension of her license. State police said she had been drinking before the accident. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services took custody of the children.

Dennis Hoey can be contacted at 791-6365 or at:

dhoey@pressherald.com


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