Marblehead Police Lieutenant Honored For Saving Young Woman's Life

MARBLEHEAD, MA — A 25-year Marblehead police veteran who dove into the frigid ocean to save a distraught young woman in danger of drowning early last month was bestowed the department's highest honor on Thursday.

Lt. Sean Sweeney Sr. was awarded the Medal of Commendation at the Select Board meeting for going beyond the call of duty and risking his own life to save the life of the woman.

Marblehead Chief Dennis King told the Select Board that Lt. Sweeney arrived on a call of a woman in distress early in the afternoon on Dec. 4 and found her standing on the rocks on the edge of the ocean "uncontrollably crying and unresponsive to his attempts to communicate with her."

King said waves were crashing into the rocks and the footing was "slippery and treacherous"

"One slight move would result in the woman going into the ocean," King said. "Suddenly, the woman was, in fact, in the ocean and the lieutenant had to make a decision that most likely saved her life."

Sweeney immediately jumped into the 49-degree ocean and, while holding on to a shore rock, was able to grab the woman by her sweatshirt and pull her to the rocks at the moment the tide pulled her back toward the shore. He then secured her until the Marblehead Fire Department arrived and helped both Lt. Sweeney and the woman up the rocks and safely to shore.

"The woman was uninjured — albeit cold and scared," King said.

"Lt. Sweeney performed exceptional acts, above the normal call of duty, on the ocean's edge that day," King said in a Letter of Commendation. "He risked his life, showed superlative courage, and because of his quick decision-making, saved a person's life.

"His valor, or boldness and determination, in facing great danger is worthy of the highest commendation. A fine example for all members of the department to follow in their own service."

The Marblehead Select Board also presented Sweeney with a public letter of appreciation at Thursday's meeting.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)