Boy Rescued from Frozen NJ Lake

Feb 12 2025 Staff Writer

An 11-year-old boy was rescued by a police officer after falling through the ice of a frozen lake in West Long Branch, New Jersey.

Police bodycam footage shows the rescue of an 11-year-old boy from a lake that had partially frozen over in northern New Jersey on Monday.

A harrowing rescue unfolded on Monday in northern New Jersey, where an 11-year-old boy fell through the ice of a frozen lake and was saved by a quick-thinking police officer. The dramatic rescue, captured on police bodycam footage, took place at Franklin Lake in West Long Branch.

The video shows the child standing in the middle of the icy lake, unable to free himself from the freezing waters. Officer Dave Brosonski, with the West Long Branch Police Department, sprang into action, tying a rope around himself before making his way onto the lake. Brosonski carefully navigated through the icy waters, eventually reaching the boy and freeing him from the lake's grasp.

Despite the chilly waters, estimated to be around 35 degrees, the boy appeared to be uninjured. However, as a precautionary measure, he was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation. According to officials, the boy had been attempting to cross the lake as a shortcut to get home when he fell through the ice.

The rescue was a testament to the bravery and swift thinking of Officer Brosonski, who put his own life at risk to save the young boy.