Full Notification

On 03 Aug 09 @ 1221hrs, a resident arrived at the Justice Police Department to report his 2 year old daughter, as a missing person. He related that while he was preparing lunch at his residence, his daughter pushed a table up to a window in the family room and crawled out without his knowledge. He further stated that the back gate to his residence was ajar and the child was last seen wearing a diaper. She was missing for approximately ten (10) minutes when he arrived at the JPD to report the incident.
Deputy Chief Kraig McDermott of the Justice Police Department was present in the station when the father initiated the missing persons report. He overheard the conversation between the father and the assigned officer. D/C McDermott subsequently rushed out of the building to his squad car and proceeded quickly to the scene. Upon arrival to the area, he exited his vehicle and conducted a canvass on foot throughout the neighborhood. Approximately ten (10) minutes later, D/C McDermott heard the voice of a child coming from the backyard of a residence. He ran to the yard and observed an above ground four (4) foot swimming pool with a solar cover attached. Upon further investigation, D/C McDermott observed the missing child clinging atop the solar cover of the pool. The child’s body was completely submerged under water but her head was still above. He then quickly pulled the child to safety. This location was approximately two (2) blocks from the child’s residence. She was later reunited with her family and suffered no injuries.
D/C McDermott without hesitation assisted the patrol division and came to the aid of a child in extreme danger of drowning. His dedication to the community and the law enforcement profession was clearly represented during this lifesaving act. D/C McDermott is an administrator within the department, however, he has not forgotten that he is foremost a police officer.
On behalf of the men and women of the Justice Police Department, I wish to thank D/C McDermott for his heroic act!

Sincerely,

Robert Gedville
Chief of Police
Justice Police Department