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The rescue took place around 12:53 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12, when the Stamford Police responded to a report of a capsized canoe and a man struggling in the water off Sea Beach Drive, said Stamford Police.
Officers quickly arrived on scene and saw Aurelio Toldeo, of Stamford, struggling to hold on to a floating dock about 40 yards from shore, police said.
Toldeo yelled to officers that he was cramping up in the water and could not pull himself up on the dock. He subsequently let go of the dock and attempted to swim but it was obvious to officers that he was in distress, police added.
Officer Robert Bossone quickly shed his police equipment and entered the water to save the struggling man while Sgt. Charles White and Officer Christopher Festa positioned a kayak into the water to assist with the rescue.
Bossone was able to get Toldeo to hold on the kayak as he pulled the victim to shore.
Once on the shore, Toldeo was transported to Stamford Hospital where he was treated and released with no injuries.
"The Stamford Police Department is extremely proud of the actions of all the officers involved in this incident," said department said. "The preservation of life is our paramount concern. Officer Bossone did not hesitate to put himself at risk to rescue the victim. The quick thinking of Sgt. White and Officer Festa made the water rescue much safer for all involved. We are happy this incident ended with the victim being able to go home."
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