In Memory of Anthony Somma
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September 19, 2022
According to NJ Transit, Off-duty NJ Transit Police Officer Sjosward was fishing from the shore at Island State Park Beach on Tuesday, September 13. He was there with two friends at a place where there were no lifeguards on duty.
When Officer Sjosward returned from getting something from his car, neither of his friends were there. Both of them had been carried away from the shore. Sjosward scanned the area and saw one of his friends battling to keep above the surface of the water.
A rip current seemed to be pulling the friend. Sjosward retrieved a body board from his car and dove into the water to save his friend. He swam over to his pal and made an effort to drag him to the shore using the bodyboard. This didn't work since the board's line broke. Eventually, the board was carried away. Sjosward then used a rescue maneuver to get his friend to land. He had received instruction in water survival and intervention.
Sjosward once more drew his focus to the ocean after bringing one friend to the shore. He saw the other friend being hauled away and partially immersed. Sjosward reentered the water in spite of his great tiredness and disregard for his own safety. He navigated to his companion, fought against the river, and carried him to land.
Sjosward flagged down a passing car, and the driver helped him dial 911, so both pals could be sent to the hospital immediately. In the end, they would live. Honor, Commitment, Integrity, and Courage are the NJTPD Core Values that Officer Sjosward's actions best represent.
