Asbury Park, NJ officer rescues 2 swimmers in rough ocean surf

As we've done every Friday for the past eleven years, it’s time to recognize another New Jersey law enforcement officer who reminds us what public service and sacrifice is really about.

Today’s Blue Friday honoree is Asbury Park Police Officer John Vail.

Photo via Asbury Park Police Department & Canva

A routine call turns into an ocean rescue

Early in the morning on August 1st, Asbury Park police were called to the beach near Convention Hall.

What started as a routine call changed in an instant when officers learned that two young swimmers were struggling in the ocean near Fourth Avenue Beach.

The surf was rough. Waves were reaching head height.

Officer Vail and Officer Herline Valcin were nearby, and they immediately ran toward the water.

Officer Vail went in.

He swam through the rough surf, reached the first young swimmer and helped get that juvenile headed safely back toward shore, but there was still another kid in trouble.

Photo by Max Fleischmann on Unsplash

Officer Vail turned around and went back in

This is the part that highlights the heroes.

Officer Vail turned around and went back out. He swam toward the Fourth Avenue jetty, reached the second struggling swimmer and held onto the juvenile until members of the Asbury Park Fire Department could reach them and help bring them safely back to shore.

The young swimmer was treated by EMS and transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in stable condition.

Think about what Officer Vail did.

There was no time for a meeting, no time to weigh the options, no time to wonder whether somebody else was coming.

A kid was in trouble, and he went in.

Officer Herline Valcin, the Asbury Park firefighters and EMS all deserve our thanks for the teamwork that morning.

But today, we especially recognize Officer John Vail.

A police officer who saw someone in danger, put his own safety second, and ran toward the problem.

Officer John Vail of the Asbury Park Police Department, you are our Blue Friday honoree.

Thank you for your courage. Thank you for your service.

And most importantly, thank you for making sure that kid got to go home that day.

The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Bill Spadea. Any opinions expressed are Bill's own.

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