2 Officers Heralded For Brave Actions In Milford Rescue

MILFORD, CT — Two Milford police officers were recognized for their lifesaving efforts this past summer.

The two officers are credited with diving into the water near Stonebridge Restaurant to rescue an unresponsive driver in July.

The police department posted the following on Facebook: "Last night, Officers (Michael) Ross and (Aaron) Norowski were awarded the Meritorious Service Award by the Police Commissioners Association for their actions over the summer when they dove into the water near Stonebridge Restaurant and removed an unresponsive operator from the sinking vehicle.

"Amazing job gentlemen!"

Related: New Details Released After Drunk Driver Plunges Into Milford Pond: Report

The officers were assisting with downtown patrol in the early morning hours when they spotted a car drive into a pond behind Stonebridge Restaurant, a Daniel Street bar and restaurant.

The officers "immediately entered the pond without hesitation" and spotted the driver, a Bridgeport man, asleep behind the wheel, according to a police statement.

Norowski tried to break the driver's window as the SUV was submerged in 8 to 10 feet of water, according to WTNH News-8.

Ross got on the car's top and saw a crack in the windshield. He kicked at it to open the crack, but it wasn't enough for the man to climb out.

The driver eventually woke up, opened the car's sunroof, and crawled out with the officers' help, WTNH News-8 reported.

They were able to remove him from the car, bringing him safely to shore.

An investigation found that the man had hit another car in the area of Shipyard Lane before driving into the pond, police said.

The man was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence and evading responsibility.