Nutley Cops, Residents Show Guts During Passaic River Rescue

NUTLEY, NJ — It takes guts to jump into the cold, turbulent waters of the Passaic River. But for four local Nutley cops and two “Good Samaritans,” the choice was simple – risk their own lives to save another.

During a recent public meeting, the Nutley Township Board of Commissioners passed three resolutions honoring a group of people who rescued a driver who got trapped in a submerged vehicle in the river last August: local residents William Dinnerstein and Ivan Viana, Nutley police sergeant Christopher D'Alessio, and officers Steve Rogers, Christopher Bassani and Ryan Mulligan.

According to a statement from town officials:

“The officers, along with Mr. Viana, dove into the river after Mr. Dinnerstein directed them to the location of the vehicle after it plunged down the boat ramp north of the Kingsland Avenue Bridge. Once the occupant was removed from the submerged vehicle, Mr. Dinnerstein also jumped into the water to help police bring the victim to shore.”

Public Safety Commissioner Alphonse Petracco said the officers' performance was “stellar.”

“To put themselves at risk and jump into the Passaic River and dive into waters with ever-changing currents, pollution and who knows what else, is incredibly admirable,” Petracco said.

“And for two Good Samaritans to step up and help was awesome,” Petracco added. “All of their actions say a lot about the human race and how we react to those in need of help.”

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