'Very relieved': Deputies recount rescuing elderly man from sinking car in St. Johns County pond
Share this @internewscast.com


ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — In a dramatic rescue at the Southeast Branch Library, two deputies have been hailed as heroes after their quick thinking and decisive actions saved an elderly man from a potentially fatal accident. Deputy Eddy Monduy and Deputy Jeremiah Foster sprang into action when the man accidentally drove his car into a retention pond, threatening to engulf him.

The rescue, captured on body camera footage from November 18, 2025, shows the deputies racing against time. As Deputy Monduy approached the submerged vehicle, he immediately recognized the urgency of the situation. “The first thing I saw was water close to his neck area, so I realized this is very urgent,” Monduy recalled, highlighting the critical nature of the seconds ticking by.

Deputy Foster, equipped with a window breaker he prudently keeps in his door panel, explained their approach. “We initially broke the window because at first, we couldn’t get the door open. We made entry to the door, then after that we were able to retrieve the subject and bring him out of the water safely,” Foster recounted.

Reflecting on the rescue, Monduy noted, “You start thinking about the water, the conditions, things like that, but in reality, no amount of training could prepare you for the exact actions you take as long as you’re taking actions to try to help this person.” Their bravery and quick response undoubtedly prevented a tragedy, earning them well-deserved praise and gratitude from the community.

“I got my window breaker. I keep it in my door panel,” Foster said. “We approached the vehicle, and we initially broke the window because at first, we couldn’t get the door open. We made entry to the door, then after that we were able to retrieve the subject and then bring him out of the water safely.”

“You start thinking about the water, the conditions, things like that, but in reality, no amount of training could prepare you for the exact actions you take as long as you’re taking actions to try to help this person,” said Monduy.

Once safely out of the water, fire and rescue rendered aid to the man, treating him for minor cuts and bruises. 

“He was still in a condition where he couldn’t really articulate or formulate any sentences. So for me personally, we could tell he was very elderly, and reminded me of some family members. So it was sad that he was alone, but very relieved that we were able to help him, and no major injuries,” said Monduy.

Weeks later, the two men are being hailed as heroes, a title Deputy Monduy has heard before.

Back in September 2024, he helped save a young man from jumping off a bridge. 

“Myself and a few other deputies were able to, from behind, kind of just tackle him to the ground,” Monduy recalled.

One year later, he’s managed to save another life. Still, both deputies say they were simply doing their job. 

“My son thinks I’m a hero and I hope one day, when he’s a man himself, he will also dive in the water, whether he’s wearing this uniform or not, and put other people first to help them,” said Deputy Monduy.

“It’s nice we were able to save him and get him the help he needs. That’s what we’re here to do every day and that’s why we love our job,” said Deputy Foster.

Deputy Monduy has been with the Sheriff’s office for two years and Deputy Foster for only one year.                                    

They want drivers to remember to keep a window breaker and seatbelt cutter in their car for emergencies like water submersion or a car crash. If you find yourself in an emergency situation like this one, try to stay calm and call 911.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Putin claims 'troops are advancing,' will achieve goals as EU approves massive Ukraine loan

Putin Asserts Military Progress as EU Greenlights Major Loan to Ukraine

On Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin asserted that the country’s military forces…
Tennessee governor pardons country star Jelly Roll, who has sought redemption from criminal past

Tennessee Governor Grants Pardon to Country Star Jelly Roll, Embracing Redemption from Troubled Past

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a significant turn of events, Tennessee Governor Bill…
Chinese researcher on US visa charged with smuggling E. coli into the country, FBI Director Kash Patel says

FBI Uncovers E. coli Smuggling Plot by Chinese Scientist with US Visa

On Friday, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that a post-doctoral researcher in…
10-year-old girl, Holocaust survivor among victims of deadly Australia Hanukkah attack

Heartbreaking Hanukkah Attack in Australia: 10-Year-Old Girl and Holocaust Survivor Among Victims

A tragic act of terror unfolded at a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s…
Australian authorities release 7 men detained over possible violent plot in wake of Bondi Beach shooting

Breaking News: Australian Authorities Release 7 Men Linked to Bondi Beach Shooting Probe

In a recent development from Australia, seven men detained over alleged plans…
Ohio U football coach Brian Smith fired over 'serious professional misconduct'

Ohio University Football Coach Brian Smith Dismissed Following Allegations of Serious Professional Misconduct

ATHENS, Ohio — Ohio University announced on Wednesday the dismissal of their…
Justice Department faces Friday deadline to release Epstein files investigation

Justice Department’s Crucial Deadline Approaches: Epstein Files Release Looms This Friday

The Justice Department is on the clock, facing a Friday deadline to…
'We Don't Dispute' It: Georgia 315k Vote Bombshell Blows a Big Hole in 2020's 'Most Secure Election' Lie

Georgia Election Controversy: 315,000 Vote Discrepancy Challenges 2020’s ‘Most Secure Election’ Claims

An investigation by the Georgia State Election Board has brought to light…
Putin says Russia won't launch new attacks on other countries 'if you treat us with respect'

Putin Promises Peace: Russia Vows No New Attacks if Treated with Respect

During a televised press conference held in Moscow on Friday, Russian President…
Mexico City lawmakers throw punches and yank hair in heated congress brawl over transparency institute

Chaos in Congress: Mexico City Lawmakers Clash in Fiery Transparency Institute Debate

During a session in Mexico City’s congress on Monday, a debate spiraled…
Mamdani names two deputy mayors, creates new department of economic justice

Mamdani Appoints Two Deputy Mayors, Establishes Economic Justice Department

In an announcement made on Friday, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani revealed the appointment…
Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson made 7 free throws in loss to Sixers, this is his new routine

Mitchell Robinson’s Free Throw Breakthrough: Knicks Standout Shines Despite Loss to Sixers

Mitchell Robinson had been grappling with the same thought that had crossed…