Brick Officer Who Rescued Woman From Icy Water Gets Valor Award

Brick Township Patrolman James Albanese has received another award in recognition of his heroism on a cold day in late December, when he dove into the icy water of the Metedeconk River to rescue a woman.

Albanese, who has received accolades from the police department as well as Mayor John Ducey, the Township Council and other local leaders, can now add a Valor Award from the 200 Club of Ocean County to his list.

The 200 Club of Ocean County is an organization that raises money and uses it to assist the family members of ill or fallen police, fire and rescue squad members.

The Valor Awards, presented yearly by the organization, honor those go above and beyond and exhibit extraordinary bravery in helping others. Each recipient is called forward and presented before their peers, family, and grateful citizens with a plaque, 200 Club Watch, 200 Club pin and a cash gift.

The 200 Club of Ocean County also salutes public servants who have long served the public good with Meritorious Service Awards.

Albanese was on patrol on Monday, Dec. 29, and was approached about 9:40 a.m. by a person who told him a woman had gone into the river near the T dock at Windward Beach that morning, intending to drown herself, police said at the time.

Albanese called for assistance and stripped off his gear, then went into the water to get the woman.

The temperature that morning was barely above freezing, according to Accuweather.com.

She was unconscious, police said later, and after Albanese got her out of the water, he administered first aid until help arrived. The woman survived the incident, police said.

(Brick Township Patrolman James Albanese is flanked by Police Chief Rick Bergquist and Mayor John Ducey after receiving a Valor Award from the 200 Club of Ocean County on Wednesday night. Photo via Township of Brick Municipal Government Facebook page)