“He was in a state of panic, yelling that he couldn’t feel his feet or arms. I reassured him that help was on the way and everything would be alright,” Brosonski recounted.
“When you find yourself in such a situation, age or swimming experience becomes irrelevant. In ice-cold waters, the onset of hypothermia occurs within minutes.”
After successfully bringing the boy to safety, first responders examined him before transporting him to a nearby hospital, where a full recovery is expected.
The lake had an icy covering of approximately 3 inches, though recent warmer temperatures had melted some of it.
The reason behind the boy’s decision to venture onto the frozen lake was not immediately clear. Nonetheless, authorities emphasized that this incident should serve as a cautionary tale against walking on frozen bodies of water.
Bodycam footage captured the intense moment when Brosonski heroically rescued the boy. The Police Department of West Long Branch shared the footage.
While Police Chief Marlowe Botti commended Brosonski for his swift actions that saved the boy’s life, Brosonski humbly dismissed any notions of being a hero.
“I believe it was my duty. I would have acted the same way, regardless of the circumstances, for anyone in need. I am simply grateful that I was there at that moment,” Brosonski expressed.
