April 01--A 21-year-old Colton volunteer firefighter drowned Saturday night when a fishing boat he was in capsized in Harriet Lake east of Estacada.
Clackamas County search and rescue crews found Justin Lee Fraijo about 75 feet from shore in 10 feet of water. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Fraijo and his brother, Portland firefighter Jeremy Fraijo, were fishing in the 22-acre reservoir when the boat capsized about 8 p.m. Both men attempted to swim to shore, authorities reported.
Jeremy Fraijo made it to a stump about 50 feet from shore. Justin Fraijo went under and did not resurface.
The Fraijos' father swam out to help and was able to rescue Jeremy Fraijo using a spare tire and rope. Jeremy was transported to Willamette Falls Hospital, where he was treated for hypothermia and released.
Search and rescue crews searched the lake and eventually found the body of Justin Fraijo about 30 feet from the boat.
Colton Fire Chief Richard Beaudoin described Justin as a quiet sports lover who was devoted to serving his community. A Colton firefighter since 2007, Justin was slated to receive a promotion next month to lieutenant.
Justin also worked for the Oregon Department of Forestry for six years, Beaudoin said.
"He was a great kid and is going to be missed by all," Beaudoin said. "It's definitely going to have an impact not only on our department but on all the community."
-- Rachel Stark
Copyright 2012 - The Oregonian, Portland, Ore.
