Plymouth Police make heroic rescue of unresponsive man at town pond

Massachusetts police officers are being called heroes after an incident that took place on Wednesday.

According to Plymouth Police, on Wednesday morning, Plymouth Police Officers Thomas Foley, Josh Smith, Eric Decelle responded to a critical call for help at the Long Pond boat ramp. A caller had reported seeing a kayaker in distress who had gone overboard and was believed to be drowning.

Officers Foley and Smith were the first to arrive on scene. The caller pointed them to an unmanned kayak circling about 100 feet offshore, powered by a trolling motor. What

initially looked like a buoy was, in fact, the unconscious male, face down and partially submerged in the water.

Without hesitation, Officers Foley and Smith took swift action. They secured their duty gear, gathered rescue equipment, and launched into a life-saving effort. Officer Smith put on a life jacket, and the unmanned kayak had thankfully motored towards shore. Officer Smith decided to use the kayak to reach the man in the water.

Upon realizing the man was submerged and unresponsive, Officer Smith entered the water and supported both the victim and himself while treading to keep the victim’s head above water.

At the same time, Officer Foley commandeered a nearby canoe and paddled out to assist. Seeing Officer Smith’s life jacket coming loose and signs of fatigue setting in, Officer Foley grabbed Officer Smith by the vest so they could work together to help hold the victim above water.

The Plymouth Fire Department launched their rescue boat and met officers 100 yards offshore with the victim. They were able to transport the victim to shore where he was initially unresponsive with no pulse.

He was immediately taken by Brewster EMS to BID Plymouth and lifesaving efforts continued where the victim did regain a pulse and is breathing on his own. The victim remains in serious condition, and while there are signs of progress, police are unable to official confirm the status of his recovery.

Officer Foley assisted Officer Smith back to shore from his exhausted efforts.

Officer Smith was also transported to BID Plymouth due to extended exposure in the frigid 50-degree water. Officer Smith was treated and is now home resting with his family.