Richmond Deputy, Strangers Rescue Father, Son from Strong River Currents

Two recent heroic rescues highlight the critical importance of community response and quick action during life-threatening emergencies. In Wilson, New York, youth soccer coach Andrew Pihlblad suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during a game, but immediate CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator by bystanders saved his life. Similarly, in Augusta, Georgia, Sergeant Darrell Grooms of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office along with good Samaritans Anthony Caruso and an anonymous helper rescued a father and son caught in a swift river current on Father’s Day. Grooms coordinated the rescue by instructing the father to hold onto a tree branch while the team used a rope to pull the son and then the father to safety. Both the father and son were treated by emergency services, and Grooms and Caruso were later honored with lifesaving awards for their courage and teamwork. These incidents underscore the value of CPR training, accessible emergency equipment, and the willingness of citizens and officers to act swiftly in critical moments.