LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – On Wednesday morning the Lake County Sheriff's Office released the name of a deputy who remains in critical condition after he and his son were rescued from the ocean Monday morning.
Jacob Steely, 39, is in the Neurological, Trauma, Surgical, Intensive Care Unit at Enloe Hospital in Chico, where he was airlifted on Monday, according to Lt. Steve Brooks.
Brooks said that during Steely's treatment there have been signs of his physical condition improving, however, this recovery process is predicted to be long and challenging.
“It is too early at this point to predict what Jake’s condition will be,” Brooks said in his report. “We are all praying for a full recovery.”
Steely and his family were at Mendocino Headlands State Park Monday when he and his 11-year-old son went into the water, according to radio reports of the incident.
So far, authorities have not made clear whether Steely and his son were swept into the water by a wave or if he went into the water to save the boy.
They were reported to have been about 100 feet offshore when they were rescued. When Steely was brought to shore, he was unconscious and CPR was performed on him before he was flown out.
Steely's son was treated and released from Mendocino Coast District Hospital, and appears to be making a full physical recovery, Brooks said.
Initially, Steely's family had asked that his name not be released. However, Brooks said that, understanding the fact that Lake County is a small community and there are many people who know of the incident and care about the well-being of Steely and his family, the family eventually chose to approve the release of his name.
Steely began his law enforcement career in 2007 as a police officer for the Lakeport Police Department, Brooks said. After spending three years with that agency he was hired as a deputy sheriff with the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
Since joining the sheriff's office, Steely has held positions working patrol and SWAT, and is a canine handler, Brooks said.
“Deputy steely is a dedicated, committed and caring law enforcement officer with deep roots in this community,” Brooks said. “He is universally respected by his peers for his abilities, character and professionalism.”
Last year, Steely – along with Sgt. Andy Davidson – was honored by the Lakeport City Council and the Board of Supervisors for saving the life of a man who tried to hang himself at the Natural High property in September 2014, as Lake County News has reported.
Brooks said Steely is surrounded by friends and family at the hospital during his recovery efforts.
For those wishing to make donations to assist the Steely family with medical expenses and other needs, Brooks said a fund has been established in the name of “Dep. Jake Steely Family” at Mendo Lake Credit Union in Lakeport.
A Go Fund Me account – which can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/29y4dxk4 – also was created for the family on Wednesday morning. It has a $50,000 goal.
Brooks said Sheriff Brian Martin, staff, department members and friends also are planning a fundraiser to assist Steely and his family. Details on that event will be available soon.
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