Police Chief Ruben Quesada presented Officer Kevin Reen with the Lifesaving Award for rescuing a swimmer caught in dangerous surf conditions over the weekend.
While off-duty on Saturday, August 23, Reen “demonstrated incredible courage and bravery” as hazardous wave conditions from Hurricane Erin at Phillips Beach left a man struggling amid five- to seven-foot swells and powerful rip currents.
“Recognizing the swimmer’s distress signals, Officer Reen without hesitation sprang into action,” Quesada said in a press release. “Officer Reen’s decisive actions exemplify the spirit of selflessness by sacrificing his own personal safety for that of another.”
The storm, which is twice the size of an average hurricane, came closest to the U.S. on Wednesday, passing about 200 miles off the Outer Banks. Strong winds and waves threatened Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard on Friday, while rip currents surged along the East Coast from the Carolinas to New England. However, Hurricane Erin’s trajectory helped limit damage along the U.S. coast and nearby island nations.
In Swampscott, waves have been crashing onto the beach and over the wall along Humphrey Street. Around high tide at noon Saturday, water reached all the way to the start of the beach’s sandy stretch. Boats bobbed in the choppy water as waves splashed into them.
Reen took his paddle board into the surf toward the swimmer, who was clinging to his own surfboard.
“Despite being a frequent beachgoer and an experienced swimmer, the swimmer was overwhelmed by the treacherous conditions,” Quesada said.
Reen transferred the man onto his paddle board, “providing much-needed flotation,” but a large wave knocked them both off as they headed back to shore.
“Officer Reen quickly regained his footing onto the paddle board and ensured the swimmer was secure as they continued their journey back to safety,” Quesada said, adding that Reen’s “heroism, determination and bravery” are what make him a recipient of the lifesaving award.
Quesada also recognized Harbormaster Lt. Bill Waters and the Phillips Beach lifeguards. In addition to Waters and the lifeguards, the town presented Meritorious Conduct Awards to Lt. Jay Locke, Sgt. Maythew MacDonald, Sgt. Brendan Reen, and Officer John Hogan; Fire Capt. Michael LeBlanc and Firefighters Santiago Garcia, Jonathan Louf, T.J. Pitman, Michael Salsgiver, and Jonathan Tibbo; and Beauport Ambulance’s Medic C. Varranco and EMT R. Currtin.
Thomas Hosker was also honored for his role in the civilian lifesaving effort.
“Their collective efforts were vital to the successful outcome that is reflective of extraordinary commitment to community values and spirit,” Quesada said.
