Bucks First Responders Being Called Heroes For Saving Drowning Child

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — Two Bucks County first responders are being called heroes after helping to save the life of a young girl who was drowning in May.

The incident unfolded on a hot and humid Sunday afternoon in May at a crowded, outside pool at the Newtown Athletic Club.

Several of the county’s first responders happened to be at the pool when an emergency unfolded involving a young swimmer.

Newtown Deputy Fire Chief Rory LaRosa was at the club with his two daughters cooling off from the hot weather. Nearby, Buckingham Police Officer Chris Shaffer was also there with his family relaxing on a hot Sunday afternoon.

“We were there for about 20 minutes when I saw an adult who was in the pool holding an unresponsive child who appeared to be turning blue,” said LaRosa.

After directing his girls to get out of the pool, he swam over to the lifeguard, who was handing the child over to an unidentified Middletown Police Officer.

"I immediately assessed the child for a pulse. Finding none, I initiated CPR and began chest compressions," said LaRosa, who asked bystanders to contact 911 and retrieve an AED.

Shortly after, Buckingham Township Police Officer Chris Shaffer joined the effort, administering rescue breaths while LaRosa continued chest compressions.

“I checked for a pulse and got a pulse back,” said LaRosa. “She started coughing a little bit. I turned her on her side and she started spitting out water. The rest is history. The child survived. There’s no secondary drowning or pneumonia,” he said.

LaRosa said once the child was breathing again, he called 911 dispatch and let them know what was going on and to relay the information to responding police, fire and EMS.

“When you’re a father and a parent and you’re responding to something involving children, it hits home a little harder,” said LaRosa. “Hopefully this never happens again, but if it does I hope I’m available to step in.”

LaRosa’s actions were called out during Wednesday's meeting of the Newtown Township Board of Supervisors by Supervisor Elen Snyder who asked Newtown Fire Chief Glenn Forsyth to share the incident with the board.

“Rory, through his quick actions, and a Buckingham Police Officer, who was there with his family, were able to resuscitate the child, who is currently home and doing well,” said Chief Forsyth.

“Hats off to Rory and to the officer from Buckingham,” said the chief. “It’s another sign that we’re never off duty … There are a lot of dedicated people who are doing this job.”

This was not the first time LaRosa was at the right place at the right time. He received a Medal of Valor in 2024 for helping to rescue victims of a deadly flash flood in July 2023 that claimed seven lives in Upper Makefield.

Rory LaRosa, left, with the Medal of Valor award he received from Chief Glenn Forsyth, right, in 2024. (Jeff Werner)

“I just happened to be right around the corner at the right time,” he said. “You never know when it’s going to happen and you have to stay vigilant. This is when your training and experience is ultimately tested.”

Rory will be recognized for his life-saving actions at a future meeting, said Chief Forsyth.

“It’s a huge deal. He saved a small child’s life. That’s what we’re here for. That’s our job. And we’re proud of what we do,” said Forsyth.

Buckingham Police Chief David Scirrotto said he’s also proud of his officer for his quick response during the incident at the NAC.

“I’m very proud of him. I’m glad he was in that position where his training and experience helped save a life,” said the chief.

“There’s not a lot more than we can ask,” the chief continued. " Having one of our officers jump into action when he’s not on duty says a lot about him and is a reflection on our police department.”