Stamford Lifeguard Honored For Assisting Police In DUI Arrest

STAMFORD, CT — Head West Beach Lifeguard John Costello, 21, was recognized with a certificate of appreciation and his favorite lunch (a turkey sandwich) "for his proactive efforts that assisted the Stamford Police Department in the arrest of three individuals at West Beach earlier this month," the city announced.

During his shift on Thursday, July 5, several citizens alerted Costello of the inappropriate and unruly behavior of three individuals at the beach, according to officials. (See the police Facebook post below)

"It was clear they were under the influence even from a distance," recalled Costello in a statement. He initiated a conversation with the two males and female to assess their condition and request they move further away from the families and small children nearby.

When the trio continued their behavior, Costello took the initiative to call the city’s non-emergency line to report the situation to the police, and shortly after the call, Stamford officers arrived at the scene.

"But as officers approached, the individuals quickly got into their vehicle and exited the parking lot," wrote officials in a statement. "A police captain that responded to the call followed after them, watching as they ran through a stop sign and traversed the curb. The captain initiated a motor vehicle stop. The citizens were arrested for driving under the influence (the man blew over twice the legal limit), creating a public disturbance, and a few other citations."

On Thursday, July 26, Superintendent of Recreation, Laurie Albano, presented Costello with a special certificate of appreciation, a plaque and a turkey sandwich, one of Costello’s favorite meals.

Albano was moved by Costello’s actions to serve the residents of Stamford. "We were so proud that John took a proactive approach to the situation and helped prevent an intoxicated driver from harming himself or others."

Costello, a lifeguard for the City of Stamford for five years, three as a Head Lifeguard, said he was just doing his job. "I was honestly just concerned about the children and families at the beach and surrounding areas. There were a lot of small children at the beach that day, and I didn’t want anything to happen to them."

Photo: Superintendent of Recreation, Laurie Albano presenting Head West Beach Lifeguard, John Costello, with a certificate of appreciation to recognize his efforts that lead to the arrest of three individuals at West Beach. Photograph courtesy of Stamford Recreation Services. Photo credit: City of Stamford

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