Branford Police Detail Efforts Taken To Try And Save Ben Callahan, 10

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

BRANFORD, CT – The town is still reeling from the tragic drowning of a 10-year-old boy and no one is feeling that hurt, besides the family, as much as those who tried to save the boy. The Branford Police Department were the first responders last Friday to the Branford River to try and save Ben Callahan, who died after falling into the river and being swept away by the current while playing with his brothers.

He was found dead inside a pipe by rescue workers after a three hour search. At the July 10th Board of Police Commissioners meeting, Police Chief Kevin Halloran spoke about the incident and the impact it’s had on his department.

“Of course our deepest condolences go out to the family,” Halloran said. “What a terrible tragedy.

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“It was a very difficult day for our all officers involved - one of the worst cases that we have to handle,” the chief said.

Halloran added that not only was the police department quick to the scene, but also the Fire Department. “I can’t say enough about those guys,” Halloran said, speaking about the efforts of the firefighters to save the boy.

Halloran talked at length about the difficulties first responders faced. He said the currents were strong and the water was murky.

“You couldn’t see your hand in front of your face,” the chief told the commissioners.

Halloran added the efforts to save Ben by his department were incredible. He talked about how some of his officers “commandeered” a boat from a civilian who did not want to take his vessel out into the difficult waters.

“Yes, you are,” Halloran said his cops told the boat owner.

Halloran said the department also called someone who operated a drone to come to the site, to aid in the recovery effort.