FAIRFIELD, CT: On Saturday evening, Sept. 13 at approximately 8:00 PM, the Fairfield Emergency Communications Center received a call from Bridgeport Fire reporting a boater that was in distress in Long Island Sound, possibly in Fairfield waters. Fairfield Fire Department Engine 1, Ladder 1, Engine 2, and Engine 4, responded along with the Shift Commander, Assistant Chief Schuyler Sherwood in Car 3. Fire personnel immediately launched the fire boats, Marine 17 and Marine 28. Additionally, Marine Units from Bridgeport Fire, Fairfield Police, and the Coast Guard responded and operating on Long Island Sound as well. Fire Chief Richard Felner was on scene in the Marina.
Upon the fire department's arrival at the location of the stranded boat, it was determined that the boat had struck the reef and was unable to be operated. The fire department was able to gain access to the stranded boater with Fairfield Fire Boat Marine 17 under the direction of Lieutenant William Tuttle and rescued the operator from his boat. The operator of the boat was brought safely to the shore on Fairfield Fire Boat Marine 28. The Fire Department remained on scene until approximately 10:00 PM.