A Rison native and recently commissioned Rogers police officer died Saturday after drowning while attempting to rescue another swimmer during an off-duty family outing on the Elk River in southwest Missouri.
Officer Fred Marsh, 24, a 2020 graduate of Rison High School, entered the water near Noel, Missouri, to assist another swimmer before becoming distressed and going underwater, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Dive teams later recovered his body, and he was pronounced dead Saturday evening by the McDonald County Coroner.
Marsh had been with the Rogers Police Department for only a few months after graduating from the police academy earlier this year.
Despite his brief time with the department, officials said he had already earned the respect of fellow officers through his dedication to serving the community.
The Rogers Police Department described Marsh as a valued member of the agency whose commitment to public service had already made a lasting impact.
Department leaders also extended condolences to his family, fiancée, fellow officers and friends while asking the community to keep them in their thoughts during this difficult time.
On Monday, law enforcement agencies from across Arkansas, including the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, Pine Bluff Police Department and Rogers Police Department, joined together to escort Marsh home to Brown Funeral Home in Pine Bluff following his death.
Authorities said Marsh lost his life while attempting to help another person in the water, an act that fellow officers described as reflective of his commitment to serving others both on and off duty.
As news of his death spread, friends, former classmates and members of the law enforcement community shared tributes across social media, remembering Marsh as someone known for his kindness, humility and willingness to help others.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
