Kevin J. Dintino saved Richard H. Sahadeo and helped to save Mark E. Holmes from drowning, Brighton, Maryland, September 1, 1996. Richard, 11, and Holmes, 36, were fishing the Patuxent River at the base of a dam when Richard slipped and fell into the water. Holmes immediately jumped in to help him but was unable to regain his footing, and they struggled against a strong current that took them farther into the river. In a picnic area on the bank of the river, Dintino, 30, physical therapist, became aware of the situation. He entered the water at the base of the dam and swam to Richard and Holmes, then began to tow Richard back to the bank. Tiring against the current, which drew him back into the river, Dintino turned and swam toward the other bank, still towing Richard. They reached a wall near the bank, and Dintino pushed Richard atop it, then returned to Holmes, who had progressed toward the same bank. Dintino helped Holmes reach the wall, where all three remained until rescue workers pulled them to safety. Richard, Holmes, and Dintino were cold and exhausted, but they
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