Good Samaritan Honored For Fairfield Water Rescue

FAIRFIELD, CT — A Good Samaritan was honored last week by the Fairfield Police Department for his heroic efforts to help a fisherman stranded in the waters off Penfield Beach.

Nicholas Ferrandino was presented with the Fairfield Police Department Citizen Lifesaving Award for his actions.

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Ferrandino jumped into the water and spent 20 minutes treading water to keep himself and another fisherman afloat while awaiting rescue by Fairfield police.

While treading water with the fisherman, Ferrandino was able to continue communicating by phone with the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center to help police find them.

"Nicholas kept both himself and the other fisherman afloat until the Fairfield Police Marine Unit was able to launch and reach them, ultimately bringing both safely aboard," officials wrote on Facebook. "His willingness to act without hesitation and remain with someone in danger until help arrived undoubtedly helped save a life."

Two fishermen had been stranded on the reef at the beach when water surrounded them during the June 13 incident. One of the fishermen, Queens, New York resident Kwahiwi Edwards, 34, was swept out to sea and died. His body was found about a week later in Stratford.

"Congratulations, Nicholas, and thank you for your courage and selflessness," officials said.