The Old Saybrook Fire Department responded to a 911 call on Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 9:40 a.m. reporting that a woman was seen in the water off the Knollwood Pier on Long Island Sound. The police department, ambulance, and fire department were dispatched to the scene.

Former chief David Heiney was first on the scene and entered the water to rescue the woman. Officer James Kiako of the Old Saybrook Police Department arrived shortly after with a rescue rope and tossed it to Heiney as he swam to the victim. Firefighter Rebecca Lucas and Officer Kiako entered the water at the beach to assist Heiney. The woman was pulled to shore by Heiney and Jerry Gintoff, a civilian on the pier.

The victim was transported to Middlesex Medical Center in Essex and was treated for hypothermia. Heiney and Lucas were also transported and treated for possible hypothermia.