PHOTO BY CALVERT COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Prince Frederick, MD – While doing some maintenance work on a pumping station in the area of the Solomons Yacht Club Tuesday, Aug. 15, Calvert County Government employees Stefon Ryan and Robert “Bobby” Thomas heard a cry for help. The pleas were coming from a woman who had fallen into Back Creek when she attempted to step from her boat onto a dock.
According to an account documented by county government, Ryan and Thomas, both mechanical technicians for the Department of Public Works’ Division of Water and Sewerage, took quick action. “They drove [from the pumping station on Charles Street] to the yacht club and observed a female in deep water between the dock and the boat. Without hesitation they boarded the boat, were able to grab her arms and pull her onto the boat.”
According to the county government report the rescued woman was shaken and appeared to have broken a leg when she slipped off the boat. “Stefon and Bobby reassured and comforted her until Solomons Emergency Medical Services arrived.” The responders treated the unidentified woman, who was then transported to Calvert Memorial Hospital.
During a recent meeting of the Calvert County Commissioners, Ryan and Thomas received proclamations in recognition of their lifesaving actions.
“You chose to put yourself in the path of potential harm,” Commissioners’ President Tom Hejl noted as he and the other commissioners commended Ryan and Thomas for their on-the-job response.
“They not only take care of the infrastructure, they look after the citizens,” said Department of Public Works Director Rai Sharma. “I am happy to have them on our team.”
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com