Norwalk Police Department Honors Officers For Lifesaving Water Rescue

NORWALK, Conn. -- The March Norwalk Police Department Officers of the Month -- Officers Brendan Collins and Daniel Vazquez -- were recognized for their lifesaving efforts at a motor vehicle crash that occurred March 6.

From left, Chief Thomas Kulhawik, Commissioner Fran Collier-Clemmons, Officers Brendan Collins and Daniel Vazquez and Commissioner Charles Yost. Collins and Vazquez were honored for saving the life of a car crash victim.
Photo Credit: *Norwalk Police Department's Facebook page*

First responders from the Norwalk police and fire departments rescued the driver of a car that went into the Norwalk River on March 6.
Photo Credit: *Norwalk Police Department*

Sandra Diamond Fox

04/19/2016 12:00 p.m.

The incident unfolded after a vehicle left the roadway on Wall Street and came to rest on its roof in the Norwalk River, with the driver and car submerged in the water about 1:30 a.m., fire officials said.

Collins and Vazquez entered the river, and along with members of the Norwalk Fire Department, were able to rescue the sole occupant of the vehicle.

The driver was pulled from the water and hoisted above to the roadway with high-angle equipment from the Norwalk Fire Department.

He was transported to Norwalk Hospital by Norwalk EMS with serious injuries, police said.

The Hour reported that the 35-year-old male driver was traveling at a high rate of speed when he crashed through the guardrail, with the car landing in the middle of the Norwalk River about 40 feet down from the roadway.

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