Local Heroes Honored for Saving Their Neighbor

If his neighbors hadn't jumped into action - and the pond at the bottom of which he was pinned - Louis Gloede most likely would have died.

He not only survived the accident last month, but he suffers no lasting effects and was released from the hospital the same night.

when he got too close to the edge of the pond behind his home. He fell into the water with the 800-pound mower on top of him, pinning him to the bottom.

Gloede's neighbors John Berg and Robert Welch jumped into the pond to try and hold their friend's head above water until help arrived. Despite being unresponsive when police and fire/rescue arrived, Gloede came to in the ambulance on the way to Wheaton Franciscan St. Mary's and continued to grow more alert after arriving in the emergency room.

He was treated and released later that same day.

Berg and Welch were honored in December by Caledonia Police Chief Toby Shey and Caledonia Fire Chief Dick Roeder for their quick thinking and bravery.

"Their quick response saved an unfortunate accident from becoming a fatal one," Shey noted.

Gloede expressed his appreciation for his neighbor's efforts and those of the officers and fire fighters who came to his aid.

"I'm glad to be here, that's for sure," he joked. "Thanks, again, for everything you guys did. I'm lucky to have neighbors like this."