From left to right, Shrewsbury resident Justin Schmautz, Officer Tyler Vlass, Officer Dillon Zona, Sgt. Mark Sklut, District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr., and Police Chief Kevin Anderson | Photo courtesy of the Office of the Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.On May 24, 2023, Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. acknowledged the heroic efforts of a group of Shrewsbury Police Officers who successfully rescued a man trapped in mud up to his neck at Flint pond earlier this year.
During a ceremony held at the Shrewsbury Police Station, Officers Alex Desimone, Dillon Zona, Tyler Vlass, and Sgt. Mark Sklut were presented with the District Attorney’s Team Excellence and Merit (TEAM) Award for their actions.
“Police officers blend problem solving, quick thinking and fast reactions daily. These officers had to act fast and smart when they saw a man sinking deeper into the mud as seconds passed,” stated Mr. Early. “Their training, coordination, teamwork and swift response saved a person’s life that day.”
On February 13, 2023, the Shrewsbury Police received a distress call regarding a man trapped in mud at Flint Pond. The individual in question, a 24-year-old resident of Shrewsbury named Justin Schmautz, and his girlfriend were operating remote-controlled boats in the water when one of them got stuck around 11:40 a.m.
Mr. Schmautz attempted to free the boat by walking into the mud, but he quickly found himself sinking into the quicksand-like muck. Within minutes, he went from having mud up to his shins to being submerged up to his shoulders.
As his girlfriend contacted 911, Mr. Schmautz started experiencing cold and panic.
Officer Desimone arrived at the scene within minutes. He initially tried to wade into the mud, but soon realized that he couldn’t go far enough without getting stuck himself.
The officer retrieved a ResQ Disc, a frisbee-like device designed to assist individuals trapped in water. He returned to the pond and noticed that Mr. Schmautz was now neck-deep in the mud.
On the second attempt, Mr. Schmautz managed to catch the disc. Officer Desimone positioned himself in the middle of the pond, serving as an anchor while Officers Zona, Vlass, and Sgt. Sklut pulled on the rope.
With their combined efforts, they successfully freed Mr. Schmautz from the mud and brought him to safety.
“I cannot thank them enough. I was so scared. I was so cold. I was in shock at how quickly they got me out,” Mr. Schmautz said. “They are the dream team. I am so thankful for them.”
“I am glad we were able to get him out,” Officer Desimone said. “It’s a good feeling to help somebody when they need it.”
“When I arrived on scene that day, I saw my officers working together and as a team to help a person in need,” Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson said. “This is why officers serve, to protect people and I couldn’t be prouder of my officers, as I am daily of all of them.”
Established by Mr. Early in 2019, the TEAM Award recognizes public safety employees who exceed expectations and demonstrate exceptional dedication. To nominate someone for this award, please contact the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office at (508) 755-8601.
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