SWAMPSCOTT — Summers can be busy for those who patrol the waterfront in the Swampscott Police Department.
At the last Swampscott Select Board meeting earlier this month, six officers from the force were formally commended for their heroism in four rescue incidents off the water three this past summer and one in 2018.
“The water can be unforgiving,” said Chief Ronald Madigan. “Certainly, it involves risks and emergencies that don’t exist in other communities. But thanks to the bravery and professionalism of our staff, we were able to prevent any deaths.”
Those commended were officers Kevin and Brendan Reen, detective Candace Doyle, Lt. William Waters, Sgt. Jonathan Locke and officer Michael Bowden.
On June 23, Kevin Reen rescued a woman who had been stranded off the waters at King’s Beach. He answered a call and determined immediate action was required.
“He took his gun belt off, and his other equipment, handed them to another officer, and entered the water in uniform, swimming approximately 200-250 yards to where others were attempting to assist a man and a woman swimmer who were clearly trying to stay afloat,” said Madigan.
Reen swam with the woman back to shore while others at the beach assisted the man. Both were taken by ambulance to the hospital for treatment.
In August 2018, Det. Doyle, while off-duty, was at Phillips Beach when she saw a raft with a small child being carried from shore by the wind.
The girl called out for help, and since it was 7 p.m. there was no lifeguard on duty.
“Without hesitating Det. Doyle, entered the water and swam a significant distance out to the girl and returned her safely to shore, Madigan said.
“The actions of Officer Reen and Detective Doyle, in saving a life, is one of a police officer’s finest line-of-duty acts,” Madigan said. “Placing themselves in personal danger to do so is exemplary.”
They were awarded Departmental Life Saving Medals for placing themselves at personal risk.
The other officers received lifesaving Commendations with an accompanying Life Saving award ribbon, Madigan said.
On June 3, Lt. Waters, Sgt. Locke and officer Bowden learned of a paddle boarder in trouble off Nahant. Using the Harbormaster’s boat, they located the woman approximately a half mile off Swampscott in Nahant Bay and safely got her on board.
“Having started in Nahant, she had been blown far from shore by strong winds and was clearly exhausted,” Madigan said. “It is notable that the conditions were rough and wind gusting at 25 to 35 mph.
“Furthermore, this was early in the boating season therefore there were no other boaters about. If not for her iPhone watch, it’s possible that she wouldn’t have been seen.Together the officers brought her safely into the Town pier.”
Finally, on June 22, Lt. Waters, Sgt. Locke, and officer Brendan Reen responded to a report of kayakers having difficulty returning to shore near Eisman’s Beach.
“It was windy, and they were in danger of blown over to a very rocky area,” said Sgt. Locke. “We were in the right place at the right time.
We were fortunate to have the people who are well trained and good at what we do,” he said. “We have a force full of people who are wonderful and who do this every day.”
The three officers worked to reach the family of four, and safely brought them on board the harbormaster’s boat.
Over the years we’ve seen lives lost on the ocean,” Madigan said. “In these cases, the decisive actions and skill and professionalism of our officers, during these dangerous emergencies likely averted tragedy.”
“The actions of these officers undoubtedly saved lives,” said Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald. “These officers represent the standard of care that all officers strive toward, and we are proud to call them heroes.”
