x
Breaking News
More () »

West Haven honors first responders who rescued twins from attempted drowning last month

Officers Ian Williamson and Makiem Miller were awarded the Life Saving Award and Medal of Merit.

WEST HAVEN, Conn. — The City of West Haven held an award ceremony Tuesday night for the first responders who helped saved two toddlers from an attempted drowning last month. 

Police said Ofc. Ian Williamson and Ofc. Makiem Miller were patrolling the shoreline around 2 a.m. on June 22 when they noticed a SUV parked in the sand. 

Investigators said when the officers approached the SUV, they could hear the screaming of kids coming from the water. 

“Police officers went into the dark against the tide, up to their necks without any other equipment to try to save those children, who are doing really well right now because of them,” said Mayor Dorinda Borer. 

The twins were rushed to Yale New Haven’s Children Hospital to be treated and were released earlier this month. 

Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters: Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines

The city also honored the dispatchers, firefighters and detectives who responded to the scene.

Williamson and Miller were awarded the Life Saving Award and Medal of Merit.

“Some people believe it's divine intervention and some people believe it's a coincidence, but we could all believe that it was incredible police work and it was extraordinary bravery that really saved their lives,” said Borer.

During Tuesday night's ceremony, Borer delivered a message of gratitude from the twins' mom. 

“I would like to thank you, Officer Miller and Williamson and everyone on your team involved for saving my twins. You guys are our family, you are our heroes, no words can ever describe how much you mean to me and my little ones,” read Borer. 

The suspect, Romney Desronvil, remains in custody on a $2 million bond. He is facing multiple charges including attempted homicide and is due back in court on Aug. 29. 

RELATED: Toddlers rescued from attempted drowning at West Haven beach are home from hospital: Mayor

RELATED: 2 toddlers pulled from West Haven beach are out of the ICU: Mayor

Jake Garcia is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. He can be reached at jgarcia@fox61.com. Follow him on FacebookX, and Instagram.

---

Have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.

HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS 

Download the FOX61 News APP 

iTunes: Click here to download 

Google Play: Click here to download 

Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61. 

Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download. 

FOLLOW US ON X, FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM 

Before You Leave, Check This Out