In the early hours of a recent morning, a kayak incident on Long Pond sparked a life-and-death situation that concluded with a display of heroism from the Plymouth Police Department. According to an official social media post by the department, a distress call regarding a kayaker who had gone overboard and was reportedly drowning brought officers Thomas Foley, Josh Smith, and Eric Decelle to the scene. The report detailed that upon arrival, officers Foley and Smith sprang into action when an unmanned kayak led them to locate the unconscious victim near the Long Pond boat ramp.
Witnesses directed the first responders to a kayak, originally thought to contain a buoy, which turned out to be the submerged kayaker. Officers Foley and Smith quickly decided to secure their gear and launch a rescue operation. According to the Plymouth Police Department post, Officer Smith donned a life jacket, using the kayak to reach the distressed man in the water, while Officer Foley took command of a canoe to provide aid. The officers worked together to keep the victim's head above water, battling fatigue and a struggling life jacket in the process.
Support arrived when the Plymouth Fire Department’s rescue boat reached the officers 100 yards from shore. The unresponsive victim, with no initial signs of pulse, was transported to shore and handed over to Brewster EMS for immediate medical attention. Following the transfer, the victim was rushed to BID Plymouth, where he regained a pulse and began breathing independently. Despite the victim’s critical condition, there has been progress in his recovery, though official confirmation of his status remains pending.
As the rescue drew to its conclusion, Officer Foley helped an exhausted Officer Smith return safely to land. Due to extended exposure in the 50-degree water, Officer Smith also needed medical attention and was subsequently transported to BID Plymouth. He has since been treated and is now at home recuperating with his family. The incident underscores the unpredictability of emergencies and the critical need to act quickly, a reality that was met with commendable courage and professionalism by the responding officers.
The social media post from the Plymouth Police Department concluded with a commendation of the bravery and teamwork exhibited by the officers. They played pivotal roles in averting a potential tragedy through their swift and decisive actions. This event serves as a testament to the commitment of the Plymouth Police Department and the extraordinary lengths to which law enforcement officials will go to protect life in the line of duty.
