HomeMy Public PortalAboutLTC 130-2018 Commendation for Heroic Actions by Officer Waisman and Public Service Aide PatinoBAL HARBOUR
- VILLAGE -
OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE MANAGER
LETTER TO COUNCIL
No. 130-2018
To: Mayor Gabriel Groisman and Members of the Village Council
From: Jorge M. Gonzalez, Village Manager
Date: August 14, 2018
Subject: Commendation for Heroic Actions by Officer Waisman and Public
Service Aide Patino
The purpose of this Letter to Council (LTC) is to inform you of the heroic actions taken by
two members of the Bal Harbour Police Department (BHPD).
On Sunday, August 12, 2018, Officer Waisman was actively patrolling the intracoastal
waterways surrounding Bal Harbour Village. At approximately 2:30 p.m., Officer Waisman
was conducting an area check near Oleta State Park, channel marker #6A, when he
observed a capsized canoe.
The family of four onboard the canoe had encountered rough seas due to a severe
thunderstorm that recently passed through the area. As a result of the severe weather
conditions, the family members were ejected from their canoe. The currents quickly
separated the children, ages 2 and 9, from the parents, further complicating the rescue
attem pts.
Officer Waisman immediately notified Bal Harbour Police Dispatch of the incident;
however, due to the inclement weather, only the initial radio transmission was audible.
Officer Waisman properly positioned the Police boat in order to safely extract the children
from the water. Once they were safely onboard the boat, Officer Waisman turned his
attention towards the adults, and was assisted by a good samaritan on a wave runner.
Officer Waisman transported the family to the Haulover fuel docks where they were treated
by Miami -Dade Fire Rescue for non -life -threatening injuries. Officer Waisman displayed
courage and steadfast resolve, due to his swift and decisive actions, the entire family was
rescued.
PSA Patino is a longstanding member of the BHPD Marine Patrol Unit and a substitute
Police Dispatcher.; however, on the date of the incident, PSA Patino was working as a
Police Dispatcher. Upon receiving the emergency transmission from Officer Weisman, PSA
Patino immediately notified Miami -Dade Fire Rescue #21 and requested that other local
LTC 130-2018: Commendation for Heroic Actions by Officer Waisman and Public Service Aide Patino
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marine units assist and respond. Due to the inclement weather, further communication
with Officer Waisman was hindered, making it difficult to obtain his exact location.
Fortunately, PSA Pafino has extensive knowledge of the intracoastal waterways, and was
able to successfully direct units to Officer Waisman's location.
Officer Waisman and PSA Patino remained poised under pressure, and their actions are a
testament to their professionalism and dedication to this community.
Please join me in congratulating Officer Waisman and PSA Patino on a job well done.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Acting Chief Raleigh Flowers at
305.866.5000.
JMG/RMF/DM