East Brunswick Officers Honored For Icy Lake Rescue Effort

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — The Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners recognized East Brunswick Police Department officers Patrolman Michael Miszkiewicz, Patrolman Joseph Whalen, and Chief Frank LoSacco for their roles in a rescue at Farrington Lake earlier this year.

The recognition centers on an April 10 incident in which police received a call from an individual in crisis whose location was traced to the woods near the Farrington Lake dam in Bicentennial Park.

Several officers responded and located the person, who had entered the lake and was partially submerged, according to East Brunswick police.

As the individual moved deeper into the water, submerging to the neck, Miszkiewicz and Whalen entered the freezing lake themselves, secured the person, and remained in the water with them until water rescue resources arrived, police said.

Another officer 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, who took the person to a hospital for further evaluation.

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

Chief Frank LoSacco praised the officers' response at the time of the incident, saying they demonstrated "exceptional teamwork, a rapid response, and an unwavering commitment to preserving life."

In recognizing the officers, the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners said, "Their bravery, teamwork, and commitment to service represent the very best of our first responders."

The commissioners also acknowledged the broader response effort, including East Brunswick firefighters and Robert Wood Johnson EMS personnel who assisted in the rescue.

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