Anthony C. Bertino attempted to save Kelly L. Barber, Mariel E. Littrell, and Jaimee L. Walsh from drowning, Sewell, New Jersey, February 18, 1995. Kelly, 12; Mariel, 11, and Jaimee, 12, were walking on the ice of partially frozen Washington Lake when they broke through and fell into the water. They shouted for help and struggled to get out of the lake. Walking his dog nearby, Bertino, 22, machine operator, saw the girls; he stepped onto the ice and walked toward them. When he had reached a point close to them, he too broke through the ice and fell into the frigid water. Mariel freed herself from the lake and ran to get help. Responding rescue personnel removed Kelly and Jaimee, then Bertino, who had submerged. Kelly and Jaimee required hospital treatment for hypothermia, and they recovered. Bertino, who was unconscious when removed from the lake, was revived at the scene, then was hospitalized four weeks for treatment of effects of having nearly drowned, including severe hypothermia. He recovered.
69502 – 7971
69502-7971