NJ Cops | Page 70

Westville officers save man overboard Westville Local 122 members Michael DeNick and Erik Hibbs took life-saving actions on Aug. 25 after being dispatched to Big Timber Creek to assist a kayaker in distress. Upon arrival, the officers found the kayaker floating down- stream, beginning to submerge after getting caught in trees along the creek bank. DeNick and Hibbs secured their duty belts and body armor and descended from the Route 130 bridge to the river before jumping in to untangle the man from the branches. The officers pulled him to shore, where he began coughing up water. “Had he spent a few more minutes in the water, he may not have survived,” surmised Lieutenant Mike Packer. “Big Timber Creek is known for its strong and unsettled water current.” The victim was transported to Inspira Health Network for treatment, where he made a full recovery. “Hibbs’ and DeNick’s brave and courageous actions that day saved the man’s life while risking their own,” confided Packer. “Both officers truly define the saying, ‘Service before self.’” d 70 NEW JERSEY COPS ■ NOVEMBER 2015