Detectives, Good Samaritan Honored For Heroic Floodwater Rescue In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Two Bridgewater Police Detectives and a Good Samaritan were honored for their quick actions and courage that helped save three people trapped inside a car rapidly filling with water during the severe flooding on the night of July 14.

At the Aug. 7 Council meeting, Mayor Matthew Moench presented the Mayor’s Award to Detective Tyran Barnett, Detective Michael Macchia, and Michael Fratesi of Flemington.

"All three of these individuals more than deserve the recognition we are gave them this evening," said Moench. "Detectives Barnett and Macchia rose to the call of duty and put themselves at risk to save that family. I know any other Bridgewater Police officer would’ve done exactly the same thing. Mr. Fratesi’s willingness to act as a Good Samaritan not just to people in need, but to law enforcement officers as well, is a testament to his character."

On July 14, Bridgewater Township had almost 5 inches of rain in under two hours. Many roads, including Route 22, were impassable due to flooding.

While Barnett and Macchia were responding to a call for help, they were forced to stop by out-of-control flooding on a roadway in front of them.

Once stopped, they saw a car with three people who were stranded in the rushing water. High-strength floodwaters, filled with debris and relentless force, surged through the area, causing the vehicle to become stranded and partially submerged.

The Detectives immediately went into action to help them.

"My thought process was, let’s help. Obviously, they are in some type of distress where they can’t do it alone. So let’s do our duty," said Barnett in a video interview show at the meeting.

Barnett said he tried to "stay as calm as possible and preach to [the occupants of the car] that we’re going to be able to get through this situation together."

Barnett and Macchia walked through around 40 yards of waist-deep cascading water and reached the vehicle. They then tried to evacuate the occupants on foot, but found the depth and current of the water too strong for them to negotiate.

At that point, Fratesi of Northeast Masonry Contractors drove up in a dump truck and, without hesitation, pulled up to the flooded car to offer his help.

Barnett and Macchia quickly loaded the trapped occupants onto the dump truck, and Fratesi drove them clear across the flooded roadway to safety.

"I want to personally commend Detective Barnett and Detective Macchia for their outstanding bravery and quick response during the storm. Their actions that night were carried out without hesitation and without regard for their own safety," said Bridgewater Police Chief John Mitzak at the meeting.

Mitzak also commended Fratesi.

"You just happened to be in the right place at the right time and your willingness to step in and help both the Detectives and the frightened occupants was truly a blessing for everyone, and your support made a difference," said Mitzak.

The Township published a video honoring the detectives' and the Good Samaritan's heroism and showing the rescue, see it below or watch on YouTube here.:

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