In one of their family’s darkest moments, the Thalmans are trying to make the future brighter for others.
Last Monday, 20-year-olds David Thalman of Dundee, Illinois, and Franceska Warick of South Elgin, Illinois, were recovered after they went missing while kayaking without life jackets, following an exhaustive 48-hour search by several local, state and federal agencies.
Family friend Amanda Freis says that while the outcome may not have changed, the Washington Island Fire Department told the Thalman family it could have brought them closure much sooner if its rescue vessel had been properly equipped
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The incident turned into a call to action for the Thalman family, which launched the David Thalman Memorial Search & Rescue Boat Campaign.
By helping the department reach its ongoing $300,000 goal to fully fund a new, purpose-built 28-foot search-and-rescue boat, the campaign could help equip the vessel with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced sonar, radar and FLIR thermal imaging; shallow-water capability; a hydraulic bow door for rescue and diver operations; and a 1,500-gallon-per-minute fire pump.
Freis says the Thalman family has been visiting Washington Island for generations and wants to help other families avoid similar tragedies in the future.
Freis and the Thalman family have been moved by the support the campaign has received. It has raised more than $8,100 toward its $30,000 goal since launching over the weekend.
You can support the David Thalman Memorial Search & Rescue Boat Campaign by clicking this link.
