TOMS RIVER, NJ — A pair of Toms River Township public works employees are receiving praise for stepping in to help a young boy after his mother suffered a medical episode.
The incident happened Sept. 3, officials said, Mayor Daniel Rodrick and East Dover Elementary School Principal Matthew Gray said.
The mother was walking her 6-year-old son to East Dover Elementary for the first day of school when she suffered the episode, Gray said.
District officials said emergency medical services were called to assist the woman but they declined to provide any additional information out of privacy concerns.
As first responders were assisting the mother, the boy was in obvious distress, Gray said. That's when Reed and Kempker, who were nearby on a township truck, stepped in.
Reed took control "with remarkable care and a calm demeanor," Gray wrote in an email to the public works division that was shared with Patch. "He spoke and comforted the young boy, made sure he safely navigated across the busy intersection at Vaughn Avenue, and ensured he arrived at school safely and on time."
Kempker, who was driving the truck, provided support as well, Gray said.
"Seeing employees take time out of their demanding workday to step up for a vulnerable young boy is truly inspiring," Gray wrote. "Mr. Reed's quick thinking and kindness turned a potentially traumatic morning into a display of community support," which he also called "exceptional compassionate action."
"We are tremendously appreciative of the quick and compassionate work of Mr. Reed and Mr. Kempker," said Michael Kenny, a spokesman for the Toms River Regional School District.
"We thank Ed and Louis for their extraordinary act of service," Rodrick said. "Toms River is fortunate to have these gentlemen serving our community."
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Toms River Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.