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VALOROUS UNIT AWARD
Boat 502 was dispatched to an incident on the Occoquan River for a husband who called 911 after his wife had fallen overboard. The husband could not locate his wife and advised crews that she was not wearing a personal flotation device. Once they met up with the husband, crews began to perform a search pattern utilizing search lights, radar, and a thermal imaging camera. They searched from the vessel from where the wife had fallen from and worked their way to the Route 1 bridge. Other personnel in the area could hear someone calling out for help. Boat 502’s crew was able to get a visual on the wife and immediately worked their way beside her and threw her a life ring.
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Jonathan 502 (Z502)
As they got closer, they were able to contact her and bring her on to the boat. She was transported to a nearby dock where there was a medic unit waiting to evaluate her and treat her for any injuries. This incident proved to be a challenge for all crews since any type of air support was grounded due to weather. The victim was tired and cold and could barely keep herself afloat. If it wasn’t for the swift action of the boat crew on scene, this incident could have ended very differently. They were able to utilize their resources to the best of their ability and coordinate with multiple agencies to ensure that this person was given the best chance for survival.
