MONTICELLO — The Sullivan County Legislature recognized two Sullivan County Sheriff’s Deputies, Eric Breihof and Sean Grady, during their meeting on September 21. 

Breihof and Grady were each awarded a life-saving award for their quick response to a man who was drowning at Swinging Bridge Reservoir in July. Undersheriff Eric Chaboty presented the pair with their awards and laid out what occurred on the day that they saved the man’s life. 

Chaboty said that when their Sheriff’s Marine Patrol was on Swinging Bridge Reservoir, they heard a child calling for help. They saw the child, who was wearing a life jacket, screaming for his father. Chaboty said the father and son had taken a kayak out on the water and that the they had gotten swamped. 

The Undersheriff went on to describe that while the child was able to float free when the kayak started submerging, the father’s legs got tangled up and he started to go under. 

“When our marine patrol unit arrived on the scene, they could barely see [the father’s] head just below the surface,” Chaboty said. “So they saved this gentleman. They were helped by a neighbor… to get the guy back on dry land and basically averted a tragedy.”

The award presented to Briehof and Grady stated: “In recognition of your prompt and capable response to an emergency on Swinging Bridge Reservoir. Your actions in the line of duty saved a life and kept a family intact and safe. We are proud and grateful to have you in the county service.”