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CCFR Lieutenants honored for saving infant's life
The State Attorney's Office recognized CCFR Lt. Joseph Hutchins and Thomas Gill for their quick actions to save an infant from drowning
CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- Clay County Fire Rescue Lieutenants Joseph Hutchins and Thomas Gill received the Bravery Award at The State Attorney’s Office’s Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer Awards yesterday evening for their heroic actions to rescue an infant from drowning last August.
Background:
On August 25, 2024, Clay County Fire Rescue units were dispatched to a report of a capsized vessel with four adults in the water and an infant missing near the Black Creek Marina in Green Cove Springs.
Rescue 22, led by Lieutenant Thomas Gill, was in the area returning from a previous alarm and arrived at the marina within two minutes of the dispatch. Off-duty Lieutenant Joseph Hutchins was driving nearby and was alerted to the incident. He arrived on scene just moments later. Lieutenant Gill took command and immediately took the offer to use a resident’s boat to save time. He and Lieutenant Hutchins sped toward the overturned boat.
They quickly learned the infant was still missing. Without hesitation, Lieutenant Gill dove underwater and began a series of blind searches for the child. His resolve and physical endurance led to her discovery —unresponsive and pinned by her life jacket inside the overturned vessel. Lieutenant Gill pushed the baby to the surface, where Lieutenant Hutchins immediately began CPR.
Despite exhaustion and water inhalation that later required medical attention, Lieutenant Gill continued assisting until he could no longer do so. Lieutenant Hutchins, demonstrating exceptional calm and leadership, continued advanced resuscitative efforts while transporting the child back to the dock and then to the hospital.
Due to their decisive actions, technical skill, and refusal to surrender hope, this child was given the best possible chance at survival under dire and chaotic circumstances. Their conduct reflects great credit upon themselves, the Department, and the fire service as a whole.