Firefighters Earn Awards For Boat Rescue In Oxford

OXFORD, CT — Two Oxford firefighters were given life-saving awards for helping rescue two people after a boat flipped over on Swan Lake earlier this fall.

The Oxford Center Volunteer Fire Company said Firefighter Tim Richmond and Chief Pelletier received Certificates of Life Saving during a recent department drill.

The awards were for their actions on September 12th, when a boat capsized on Swan Lake near Manitook Drive. Two people were in the water when firefighters and EMS arrived.

One person was not responding. A fire official went into the water to help, and with help from Firefighter Richmond and three bystanders already on the lake, the person was pulled onto a dock. The second person was also brought safely to shore.

Both people were taken to ambulances. Fire officials said the unresponsive victim spent several days in the hospital but later recovered. The second victim was released the same night.

The department also thanked the three people who helped during the rescue. They were invited to receive awards from the Town of Oxford, but could not attend because they live out of state.

Fire officials said quick action and teamwork helped save lives.