STONINGTON, CT — Two Stonington police officers are being recognized for their efforts in helping to rescue a boater who suffered a cardiac arrest episode this summer.
Officer Hewes and Officer Powell, both assigned to the Marine Unit, were “recognized for their outstanding performance and efforts to help save a fellow mariner who suffered a serious medical out on the water,” according to a Stonington Police Department Facebook post.
“The actions of our officers along with Watch Hill Fire Department, a bystander and other First Responders awaiting at the dock all contributed to the positive outcome this mariner had.”
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Hewes and Powell were conducting a “slow-no wake enforcement” in the area of Greenhaven Marina on the Pawcatuck River on the afternoon of Aug. 19, according to a police incident report.
They heard a sailboat report a medical emergency over the radio system. A female was reporting a 68-year-old man with a history of heart problems was experiencing chest pain.
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The officers responded to assist and escorted the boat to Watch Hill Passage. The Watch Hill Fire Department responded and one of their members boarded the sailboat. At this time, the patient went unconscious and stopped breathing.
Another Watch Hill firefighter boarded the sailboat, and Officer Hewes boarded the boat to assist with its operation.
Due to the high level of the seas, they were unable to quickly de-board the patient for transport to land. The Watch Hill Fire Department brought aboard a good Samaritan who was a self-reported U.S. Coast Guard-qualified captain.
The good Samaritan operated the boat to the Stonington Yacht Club Dingy dock. Firefighters and the two officers provided an escort. Stonington Ambulance transported the patient.
“Our officers did an incredible job working in concert with other agencies to save a life,” Deputy Police Todd Olson said.
The patient was able to be present at the ceremony honoring the officers, according to a Town of Stonington Facebook post.
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