[청소년 리포트] Kole Devisscher
조선에듀
기사입력 2018.07.12 09:27
  • Back in December 5, 2010, it was just another winter day in Canada for 16 year old Kole Devisscher. Much like any other day, Devisscher was going through his daily routine, driving by a section of the Red River in Winnipeg, Manitoba. This time, however, he noticed some blue object in the river and assumed it was just floating by. Uncertain about what the object might be, Devisscher pulled over to take a closer look and quickly spurred into action as he realized that it was somebody struggling in the frigid river. The person in the river was 10 year old Chartrand, who was playing on the frozen river before he had fallen through a crack in the ice.
     Using his past snowmobiling experience, Devisscher hurried out of his truck and began setting up a tow strap. He called out to the struggling child, telling him to grab onto the strap, hoping  would be able to pull himself out with some help. Unfortunately, as Devisscher stated in an interview with the Winnipeg Free Press, Chartrand “couldn’t quite grab onto the rope, because his hands were already turning blue.” With some quick thinking, Devisscher “made a loop on the hook and got [Chartrand] to put it around his shoulders.” Once that was done, Devisscher began to tow the boy out of the river and consequently saved Chartrand’s life before the hypothermia had worsened.
     Although Devisscher didn’t say much after the incident, his parent expressed bitter sweetness, saying that they were proud of his son but was also worried about the possible repercussions for such a selfless action. The public, however, responded much differently, praising Devisscher for his quick thinking and bravery. Devisscher received a certificate of commendation, as well as a nomination for the Governor General’s Medal of Bravery, which was later received in 2013.
  • 2010년 12월 5일은 16살 Kole Devisscher에게 또 하나의 캐나다의 추운 겨울날이었다. 다른 날과 다름없이, Kole은 Winnipeg, Manitoba의 Red River부근을 운전하며 일상적인 일과를 보내고 있었다. 하지만 이번에 그는 강에서 파란 물체를 발견했고 그것이 그냥 떠다니는 것으로 추측했다. 그것이 무엇인지 모른 채 그는 자세히 살펴보다가 누군가가 추운 겨울 강에서 허우적거리는 것을 깨닫자 마자 행동에 나섰다. 물에 빠진 사람은 균열이 생기기 전에 얼음 위에서 놀고 있던 10살짜리 Ralph Chartrand였다.
    과거의 소노우 모빌 경험을 사용하여 Kole은 트럭에서 서둘러 뛰어나와 견인 줄을 설치하기 시작했다. 그는 어려움을 겪는 아이에게 줄을 잡으라고 말하면서 자신의 도움으로 아이가 끌어 나올 수 있기를 바랬다. 하지만, Kole이 Winnipeg Free Press와의 인터뷰에서 언급했듯이, Ralph는 “손이 파랗게 변하고 있었기 때문에 줄을 제대로 잡을 수 없었다.” 빨리 판단하여, Kole은 “줄에 고리를 만들어 [Ralph] 어깨에 그것을 매달 수 있게 했다.” 그 후, Kole은 소년을 강물 흐름에서 끌어냈고 소년이 저체온증이 심해지기전에 무사히 구출해냈다.
    Kole은 사건 후에 많은 말을 하지 않았지만, 그의 부모는 아들을 자랑스럽게 생각한다고 말했으나 젊은 고등학생인 아들의 그런 사심 없는 행동에 대한 반향도 우려했다. 그러나 대중은 다르게 반응했다. Kole은 그의 빠른 생각과 용감함에 대하여 칭찬을 받고 표창장을 수여 받았으며 2013년에 Governor General’s Medal of Bravery도 받았다.
  • About me:
     Eric Minsuh Lim is currently a junior in Yongsan International School Seoul (YISS). He’s a part of Mu Alpha Theta, Science Club, and Jazz Club. He plays the guitar for the school’s praise band and is on the Varsity Swim Team. His favorite subject is English and continues to study Latin outside of school. In his spare time, he practices metal guitar, primarily songs by Metallica and Iron Maiden, works out, and listens to college psychology lectures.
  • ※에듀포스트에 실린 외부 필진 칼럼은 본지의 편집방향과 다를 수 있습니다.