Atlantic City firefighters were able to rescue a man from the water Wednesday afternoon, despite what appeared to be his best efforts to resist them.
Firefighters and police were called to the water off Rhode Island Avenue at about 12:30 p.m. for a man in distress, said Matt Duffy the city's Public Safety spokesman.
Firefighters arrived to find a man floating just beyond the jetty, according to the report. He appeared conscious but not swimming.
Battalion Chief Kenton T. Brookings established incident command and coordinated all rescue and operational resources throughout the incident.
Rookie Firefighter Dominic Gitto swam the man with a rescue longboard, but when he reached him, the man resisted and tried to stab Gitto with a concealed screwdriver, Duffy said.
The man later was identified as Christopher Treadway, 31.l, of Mays Landing.
Firefighters drag the man in. (Photo by Atlantic City Fire Department)Gitto was able to deflect the attack, and continued his rescue efforts despite what was described as aggressive and erratic behavior, which responders believed was consistent with a psychiatric episode.
Rescue 1 and Marine 1 subsequently arrived with a personal water craft, rescue sled and additional firefighters. He continued to resist as multiple attempts were made to get him on the sled, according to the report.
Gitto’s dry suit began taking on water as the rescue attempt continued, exposing him to frigid ocean temperatures.
He started experiencing symptoms of acute hypothermia after exiting the water, Duffy said.
Fire Department personnel gave him immediate care, and he then was driven AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center.
Deputy Chief James Gillespie III notified dispatch to alert the hospital's Emergency Department to prepare for a firefighter experiencing hypothermia. Gitto was treated and released later that afternoon.
Fire Department personnel were able to get the man to shallow water by forming a chain and pulling him onto land, where he again became combative, according to the report.
Gitto had warned them of the screwdriver, Duffy said.
Atlantic City police officers immediately entered the water to assist fire personnel, gaining control of the man and taking him into custody.
Atlantic City police work to get the man on a board for transport. (Photo by Atlantic City Police Department Drone Pilot Sgt. Chris Miller)Fire Engine Companies 1, 2 and 7, Ladder 1, Rescue 1, Marine 1 and Battalion 1 were among the fire response to the scene.
Police Officers Justin Peyton, Scott Sendrick, Nickolas Cardani, Jerae Langford, and Sgts. Annese Parks andValmir Loga entered the water.
Emergency Medical Services took Treadway for medical treatment, and he was admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit for evaluation.
He is charged with aggravated assault, attempted to cause serious bodily injury, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, resisting and obstruction.
“This was an extremely dangerous and unpredictable rescue,” Atlantic City Fire Chief Scott Evans said. “Firefighter Gitto was sworn into the department just a few months ago, and his actions demonstrated courage, professionalism and personal sacrifice.
"Our firefighters are trained to handle hazardous situations, including cold-water rescues, and this incident underscores the importance of that training and teamwork,” he added.
(Photo by Atlantic City Police Department Drone Pilot Sgt. Chris Miller) The Atlantic City Fire and Police departments commended the professionalism, coordination and bravery demonstrated by all responding personnel during this dangerous and complex rescue operation.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Criminal Investigations Section at 609-347-5766. Information also may be texted anonymously to tip411 (847411), beginning the text with ACPD.
