A mom who almost drowned trying to save her children from the ocean off Brigantine returned to the city to thank those who rescued her.
The children were rescued, and Brigantine police, fire and rescue and beach patrol rendered life-saving aid to the 28-year-old mother.
Kassandra surprised police, firefighters and lifeguards Thursday. She came with her family and presented her rescuers with custom wooden flags and refreshments.
Public safety personnel then reiterated to her that her own selfless actions were responsible for saving her children’s lives.
Officer Joseph Sweet was the first police officer on scene who worked along wide members of the Beach Patrol and Fire Department to begin basic life support, police said in a Facebook post.
Sweet, Officer Julianna Rote, dispatcher Elizabeth Huenke and firefighters were also commended for taking the children into their care for several hours while family members were located.
“These three outstanding members of our organization had the opportunity to speak with Kassandra and her family today, and offer them our best wishes,” the statement read.
“This is a prime example of all three Public Safety Departments working together and utilizing their training and experience to save lives,” Chief Richard Casamento said. “I’m proud of the professionalism and skill of the members of our Public Safety Departments here in Brigantine.”
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Former Chief James Bennett, who now serves as city manager, also gave kudos to those departments.
“I am proud of our Public Safety Departments and the work they do every day to protect and serve our island,” Bennett said. “They all deserve to be recognized for what they do. Getting to see this young woman who came back from a terrible life-threatening accident is positive proof we have the very best.”
