Recalling The Cold, Dark Saugatuck River Rescue In Westport: Report

WESTPORT, CT — To save Stephanie Lamendola last month in the cold waters of the Saugatuck River, Westport firefighter Earl Hill had to make the choice to release his safety tether and swim after the Syosset, NY resident, a dangerous move in the swiftly moving current.

In an interview with the Connecticut Post, Hill and fellow firefighter Ted Crawford recalled the harrowing minutes the two were in the water during the rescue.

Lamendola was saved, but her husband, Richard, 76, died in the crash, when he accidentally drove into the water from the state boat launch across the river from the Black Duck Cafe.

Patch file photo