East Brunswick Officers Pull Person From Freezing Lake Stopping Self-Harm Attempt, Authorities Say

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EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Two East Brunswick police officers waded into frigid water Friday morning to rescue an individual who had submerged themselves in Farrington Lake, authorities said.

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At approximately 6:14 a.m. on Friday, the East Brunswick Police Department received a brief call from an individual who said, "Thank you for everything," before the line disconnected. Communications personnel determined the caller's location in the woods near the Farrington Lake dam in Bicentennial Park.

Patrolmen Matthew Anderson, Dana Ferrero, George Kokinakos, Joe Whalen, Michael Miszkiewicz, and Jordan Bachman responded and located the individual, who had entered the lake and was partially submerged. Patrolman Kokinakos attempted to engage the person in conversation, but the individual continued moving deeper into the water, submerging to the neck, police said.

Miszkiewicz and Whalen entered the freezing water, secured the individual, and remained in the lake with them until water rescue resources arrived, police said.

Patrolman David Methner and members of the East Brunswick Brookview Volunteer Fire Company responded with a rescue boat, brought the individual aboard, and transported them to Robert Wood Johnson emergency medical personnel.

The individual was then taken to a hospital for further evaluation.

Due to their time in the water, Miszkiewicz and Whalen were also evaluated for possible hypothermia, authorities said.

“The officers demonstrated exceptional teamwork, a rapid response, and an unwavering commitment to preserving life. Their decisive actions under hazardous conditions directly contributed to the safe rescue of this individual,” Chief Frank LoSacco said.

LoSacco also credited East Brunswick firefighters and RWJ EMS personnel for their roles in the rescue.

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