WEST HAVEN, Conn. — Two West Haven police officers who saved twins from an attempted drowning at a beach were announced as recipients of the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund Officer of the Month award for June 2024 Wednesday.
On June 22 at 2:30 a.m., Officers Makiem Miller and Ian Williamson were on patrol in the area of Dawson Ave Beach in West Haven when they spotted an SUV parked on a beach and heard screaming coming from the water, police said.
As the officers went over to the water, they found a man, identified as Romney Desronvil, 27, of Queens, N.Y. with his two children, drifting away with the tide. After Desronvil told the officers to "stay back," it became clear that he was deliberately trying to drown them, police said.
The officers then entered the water and brought the children to shore with backup from other officers and members of the West Shore Fire Department.
The three-year-old children were given life-saving measures by first responders and were taken by ambulance to Yale New Haven Hospital's Intensive Care Unit. On June 24, they were taken off of intubation, and on June 25, they were released from the ICU.
“These officers are heroes, and their actions serve to highlight the countless acts of valor which often go unnoticed and without the recognition or fanfare such acts deserve,” said William Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. “We are humbled and proud to honor Officers Miller and Williamson as our Officer of the Month for June 2024.”
Williamson and Miller join an array of federal, state and local officers across the nation who were selected for the award in previous months. According to a release, the award program is sponsored by the Police Unity Tour and is designed to recognize those who "distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty."
The officers were also awarded the Life Saving Award and Medal of Merit on July 16 during a ceremony held by the city of West Haven for all the first responders who assisted at the scene.
Desronvil, the suspect, was arrested and is facing charges of risk of injury to a child on two counts, criminal attempt to commit murder on two counts and reckless endangerment in the third degree on two counts.
He appeared in Milford Superior Court in June where prosecutors said he had no criminal record or connection to the community. His bond was set at $2 million, and he is expected back in court on Aug. 29.
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Sean Humphrey is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at shumphrey@fox61.com
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