Officers Honored for Oct. 18 Drowning Driver Rescue

“The officers made a split-second decision, removed their ballistic vests, duty belts and body-worn cameras, and put their own safety aside and entered the cold, dark water,” said Lima of the drowning driver rescue.

The trio swam about 100 ft. to the vehicle, with only  the roof visible above the water. The officers couldn’t see through the dark waters and had to retrieve the driver by feel. The officers swam with the man to the shore, where WFD rescue was waiting and began immediate life-saving measures on the victim.

“That coordinated teamwork between police and fire gave the occupant the best chance at survival,” Lima said. “The courage and determination shown by Officers Maloney, Manocchio, and Neiley that night speaks to the very heart of what it means to wear the Warwick Police uniform. They didn’t stop to think about the danger. They acted, because that’s what our officers do. Incidents like this remind us that the work that officers do is dangerous, unpredictable, and often calls for real courage in the moment.”

Lima said the department is incredibly proud of the officers for their bravery, as well as the efforts of the Warwick Fire Department.

“Their actions reminded us of what it truly means to serve,” said Mayor Frank Picozzi’s Chief of Staff, Bill Facente, reading the Mayor’s remarks due to Picozzi’s Laryngitis from a cold. “This stands out as a vivid example of the bravery, training and heart of the Warwick Police Department. Today, we honor these officers. It’s fitting to share that Wallet Hub has just named Warwick the safest city in the America. That result isn’t a coincidence. It’s a recognition of years of dedication of the men and women of our police department, our firefighters, our public safety  officials, and our entire community  working together to help one another,” Facente said.”

“I want to thank you very much for your brave actions,” said State Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain, (D-Dist. 31). He said the fine work the WPD does daily is only highlighted by such positive news stories.

LaMountain and Picozzi each presented the officers with citations honoring their service in rescuing the drowning driver.

Officer Mannocchio said he and his fellow officers felt honored to be recognized for their efforts, but,  “At the end of the day, we were just the first three there, and I know, if it had been another three officers, they would have done the same thing,” he said.

Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at editor@warwickpost.com with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.