Italian police officers perform heroic off-duty rescues

Two off-duty Italian police officers have been recognized for performing heroic rescues in separate incidents.

In Bagheria, Sicily, State Police Agent Alessio Chiaramonte rescued a 62-year-old woman from drowning in the waters of Aspra. While on leave with his wife, Chiaramonte noticed the woman struggling against strong currents and suffering from a severe asthma attack. He swam to her, carried her on his shoulders through the currents to the shore, and coordinated emergency medical services.

In Naples, an officer from the Mobile Squad of the Naples Police Headquarters prevented a potential tragedy during a heavy storm in San Giovanni a Teduccio. After a flash flood trapped several vehicles in an underpass, the off-duty officer coordinated with a truck driver from the nearby port. The officer waded through rising waters to reach the stalled cars, helping to secure towing cables to rescue two motorists.