First Responder Friday: Clarkstown Police Officer Paul Munding

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Friday, September 4, 2020
First Responder Friday honors Clarkstown Officer Paul Munding
First Responder Friday honors Clarkstown Officer Paul MundingAmy Freeze says Officer Munding saved a 4-year-old girl from drowning in Clarkstown.

CLARKSTOWN, New York (WABC) -- This First Responder Friday reminds us that our heroes are always on the job!

During the 4th of July holiday earlier this summer, off-duty Clarkstown Police Department Officer Paul Munding saved 4-year-old Ella from drowning.

Rockland County mom Carla Shaffer shared the important story on Facebook: "While attending a friends daughter's birthday party... Ella promised not to leave the ladder..."

Then Ella saw a beautiful, shiny doll in the pool and went for it. Alone. In water she couldn't stand in.

Officer Munding was off-duty at the party and jumped fully clothed in to save Ella.

It was a fun party with laughing and noise. Remember, drowning is often a silent accident.

Thank you for being a hero Officer Munding!

The CDC says one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. And 75% of the drownings happen at a private residence.

For every child survivor of a submerged accident, there are five children with non-fatal injuries. Stay safe this holiday weekend!

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Whether it's helping out, celebrating a milestone of service, or a first responder in need -- we want to hear about it!

Tag Amy Freeze on Facebook, on Twitter @AmyFreeze7 or on Instagram @AmyFreeze to nominate someone for First Responder Friday.

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