First Responder Friday: Clarkstown Police Officer Paul Munding

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Friday, September 4, 2020
First Responder Friday honors Clarkstown Officer Paul Munding
Amy 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.

You can also email us by filling out the form below.

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