It’s something you don’t see everyday, but when you do, there is no other way to put it it – it brings you to tears.
On Saturday, emergency services were summoned to the west pier after a couple walking along the pier witnessed a swimmer in trouble. They did absolutely everything right during the emergency, but unfortunately the man is believed to have drowned.
Coast Guard was notified immediately and their boat was gone from the harbour in a flash to search for the missing swimmer.
Cobourg Police were in the area of Division Street and were immediately notified by the woman.
One officer ran to the scene where the swimmer was last spotted, took off his emergency equipment and jumped into the water.
Another officer arrived shortly after and went in the water searching.
Firefighters, paramedics arrived. After an intense search they located the individual, pulled him from the water and immediately began CPR.
The swimmer was put into the ambulance were crews worked at a frantic pace trying to save the man’s life.
He was rushed to hospital, but tragically died.
But as the sirens from the ambulance left the west pier towards the hospital, it was those who were left around that dealt with the aftermath.
The police, fire, paramedics, and Coast Guard.
High praise should be given to all these men and women.
Especially the two officers who jumped as soon as they arrived looking for the victim.
One officer shook his head in disappointment that he couldn’t find the man soon enough. Another was in shock. This is what most members of the public don’t see.
Your adrenalin kicks in when the emergency happens, then you’re left with the aftermath.
These police officers, these men and women who we all complain about would risk their lives and lay down their lives in a second for anyone of us.
They didn’t ask the gender, faith, colour, or how much money they had in the bank.
They were fixated on saving a life. And when the emergency was over, I got the sense they felt guilty they couldn’t have done more.
I said it then, and I’ll say it now. They did everything they could to save a strangers life.
We in this community and every community that has police officers are blessed to have them – blessed.
That “cop” that gives you a speeding ticket after a long day, that one cop that you may have saw on their cell phone and thought why can they do it and I can’t?
Thank you to them for putting up with you, for putting up with me.
It’s times like this where reality hits home. Where you realize everyone has a different personality and you may not always agree.
But when you hear sirens wailing, rest assured – an emergency responder is going to help someone who is in trouble.
And at that time, they don’t care who you are, or what you’ve done, they are there to help.
Finally a message to the two officers, you’d hate me mentioning your names – so I won’t.
But one last time, you did everything you could, don’t feel guilty. Nothing more could have been done.
Stand tall – stand proud – we are with you.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
