Morris County police chief helps save drowning 11-year-old girl while on vacation in Florida
HOLMES BEACH, FL (Manatee County) — Riverdale Police Chief Charles Quant is being recognized for helping save an 11-year-old girl who was drowning while he was on vacation in Florida in July.
According to a letter of appreciation from Holmes Beach Police Chief William L. Tokajer, Quant witnessed the girl drowning and completely unresponsive in the water in Holmes Beach on July 25.
Quant immediately jumped into action, helped pull the girl safely to shore and began administering CPR, according to the letter.
The girl expelled the water she had swallowed and began breathing on her own before emergency medical services arrived at the scene.
Tokajer praised Quant’s actions in a letter sent to Riverdale Mayor Paul Carelli, describing the chief’s response while off duty as an example of public service.
“Chief Quant’s life-saving intervention during his personal time off exemplifies the highest standards of public service. His readiness to respond to a crisis, even when off-duty and far from home, speaks volumes about his character, dedication, and professionalism. He is a true credit to the Borough of Riverdale and an outstanding leader for your police department,” Tokajer wrote.
