Cops Honored For Response To Report Of Drowning Ocean Gate Child

OCEAN GATE, NJ — Ocean Gate police officers are being celebrated after they quickly responded to a report of a child possibly drowning at Wildwood Pier on July 4.

During the egg toss on Independence Day, a child was suspected of being trapped and possibly drowning under the pier, Ocean Gate Mayor Bob Curtin shared on the borough's Facebook page.

Immediately, about 15 citizens jumped into the water to begin looking for the child, Curtin said.

Two Ocean Gate police officers, Ptl. Andy Welsh and Rich Zonin, gave their vests and belts to Det. Steve Shan and jumped in fully clothed to help in the search, Curtin said.

But thankfully, the emergency was avoided.

"Fortunately, it was a false alarm and the child was found safely on the beach," Curtin said.

The officers are set to be recognized at a workshop council meeting on July 12.

"I want to thank the citizens of our community and our two police officers for their quick actions in such a potentially serious situation!" Curtin wrote. "What a great town we have!"