Local News

Off-duty Chelmsford officer revives girl, 2, after drowning incident in New Hampshire

The child is reportedly in "good health."

An off-duty Chelmsford Police Officer saved a 2-year-old child from drowning on Friday in the Iona Lake, according to authorities. Chelmsford Police Department

By Lindsay Shachnow

While vacationing with his family in the White Mountains, a Chelmsford Police Officer saved a 2-year-old child from drowning on Friday in the Iona Lake, according to authorities.

At around 11 a.m., Officer Matthew Sech heard “urgent screams” from the shoreline of the lake, according to a statement from the Chelmsford Police Department. 

Sech delivered “several back blows” to expel water from the girl’s lungs after a woman pulled the unresponsive child from the water, the statement said.

The girl regained consciousness, and shortly after officials said the Carroll County Sheriff and the Conway Fire and Paramedics arrived and transported her to the hospital. She has since been released and is reportedly in “good health,” according to Chelmsford Police.

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“I’ll admit it was pretty scary, but at the end of the day, I’m just glad it was a perfect outcome,” Sech told WCVB.

Chelmsford Police Deputy Chief Hannagan said in a statement that Sech “unquestionably saved a young life.”

“We applaud Officer Sech for his courage and swift response,” Hannagan said. “His commitment to public safety goes beyond his official duties, exemplifying the highest standards of our department.”