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Dramatic video shows NJ cop rescuing boy, 11, who fell through ice on frozen lake

West Long Branch Police February 3, 2025 At 2:41 p.m., police received a call reporting that a child had fallen through the ice at Franklin Lake. Patrolman Dave Brosonski, the first officer on the scene and highly trained in water rescue, arrived to find the child stranded in the middle of the lake. Without hesitation, Ptl. Brosonski entered the frigid water and successfully rescued the 11-year-old boy. The West Long Branch Police Department is deeply grateful for Officer Brosonskiâs swift and heroic actions, as well as for the community members who quickly alerted authorities. Chief Botti would also like to recognize the West Long Branch Emergency Medical Services and the West Long Branch Fire Department for their response. https://www.facebook.com/westlongbranchpolice/posts/pfbid031FhhrY3gCut6qX4s6WQYhHphfaJNngxQZ3KSJ5jFpUf98jPf7f8LdSmXiQLPuEtMl

The unidentified boy wandered about 75 yards across the frozen Franklin Lake in West Long Branch on Monday afternoon when the ice suddenly cracked — dropping him into 4 feet of frigid water, NBC New York reported.

Dramatic police bodycam footage captured local police officer Dave Brosonski jumping into the pond without hesitation and using his knees to break through the ice.

“He was panicked, he was yelling he couldn’t feel his feet or arms. I just told him I’m on my way, everything’s gonna be all right,” Brosonski said.

“When you’re out there, it doesn’t matter how old or young you are, it doesn’t matter the level of experience you have with swimming: When you’re in ice-cold water, you have minutes before hypothermia sets in.”

Once the boy was pulled to safety, he was examined by first responders and taken to a local hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery.

The lake was covered in about 3 inches of ice, but recent warmer weather melted some of it.

It was not immediately clear why the boy decided to walk across the lake, but police said the incident should serve as a warning against wandering out onto a frozen body of water.

While West Long Branch Police Chief Marlowe Botti praised Brosonski’s quick response for saving the boy’s life, Brosonski said he was not having any “hero” talk.

“I feel it was my job. I would’ve gone in no matter what, for anyone, whether I was working or not,” Brosonski said. “I’m just happy that I was the one there.”

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