Bergen Police Chief Braves Icy Waters, Rescues Mother And Child

ELMWOOD PARK, NJ — Police Chief Michael Foligno braved the icy waters of the Passaic River Thursday, helping other first-responders rescue a mother and child.

"Great job to Chief Foligno for seizing the moment and putting his life at risk to save a mother and child," police officials said.

Members of the Elmwood Park Fire Department, Little Falls EMS and Paterson Police, Fire and Fire Rescue Departments also responded to the scene.

According to Northjersey.com, a 37-year-old Elmwood Park resident and her 2-year-old daughter were in the water when Foligno jumped into action at the marina on River Drive.

Foligno borrowed a kayak from a gas station attendant across the street, making his way out to the residents and eventually pulling them out of the water, according to the report.

Some 25 minutes later, members of the local fire department arrived with a wetsuit, allowing one firefighter to wade into the icy water and get the kayak back to shore, the report said.

Elmwood Park Police credited the gas station attendant as part of a group of "Good Samaritans" who swiftly notified authorities.

"A special thank-you to the Good Samaritans who stopped to provide assistance, and a canoe, rather than record incident with their cell phones," police said. "Without the prompt notification to 911 by our Good Samaritans, this incident could’ve had a tragic outcome."

NJ.com reported Friday that police aren't sure how the mother and child ended up in the water. Their current conditions were unknown.

Keep up to date with what's happening in your community by subscribing to your local Patch newsletter here.