A Louisiana police officer facing discipline following an attempting water rescue last week has resigned.
The Haughton police officer -- who wishes to remained unnamed -- responded to a call for an SUV stranded in floodwaters in Bossier Parish on March 8, according to KSLA-TV.
The officer found Jamie Stathem and daughter clinging to a tree while her son was on the roof of the vehicle.
He attempted to rescue the family on his own, but soon found himself need to be rescued after his department SUV was pushed off the road by the rushing water.
Bossier Parish deputies and Bossier Fire District 2 personnel responded to the scene and rescued the deputy and the family, but since then the deputy's job has been on the line despite what many are calling "heroic" actions.
A public meeting was scheduled for Tuesday at 5 p.m., but the city canceled the meeting after the deputy turned in his resignation letter.
"After talking with family and very close friends, and deep consideration I have decided to resign from Haughton Police Department," the deputy said in a statement. "In eight and a half years of law enforcement I have had the pleasure of meeting many people, and experiencing events that most people will never have the opportunity to experience. Some good, some bad, and some that I hope no one will ever have to experience; but all will forever be dear to my heart.
"Yes, I have made mistakes in my career here and there but I'm sure everyone has at some point. We are all human. However, the events of March 8, 2016 was not one. If I had to do it all again, I would."
Haughton Police Chief Rodney Farrington said the special public meeting was supposed to be concerning the officer's alleged violation of policy and procedure, but could not confirm whether the violation was related to responding just outside the city limits or because a police vehicle was totaled.
