North Kern State Prison (NKSP) staff presented a donation check to the Kern County Sheriff Search and Rescue divers.
It was an emotional day for one of NKSP’s own. NKSP’s Chief Medical Executive (CME) Dr. Ndukwe Odeluga and his wife Nneka Odeluga, Physician Assistant, lost their son, who drowned in the Kern River in 2015.
The Odeluga’s personally shared their story with the divers and thanked them for the recovery services they provided. The donation was presented in the memory of their son Nnanedu Odeluga.
“It is exceptionally special to be able to donate to a purpose that has touched one of our own. My hope is that this donation can assist the rescue divers with equipment and training needed to keep our communities safe,” said Warden Hixon.
The Dive Unit began in 1962 and provides rescue and emergency services beneficial to the public interest. They educate the public in safe outdoor and water practices. All Dive Team Members are required to have Advanced Diver SCUBA certification. They must have over 40 logged open water dives and participate in monthly trainings.
The SAR Dive Team fills a unique need in the county by being the only resource for underwater recovery operations. Sadley the number of lives lost in the Kern River has risen to 325 since 1968.
Story by Lt. J. Hooten
North Kern State Prison
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