'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
Raines High celebrates first state title since 2018 with parade filled with pride and community unity

Raines High Triumphs in First State Title Since 2018: A Celebration of Pride and Community Spirit

Raines High School’s triumphant return to state championship glory since 2018 ignited…
Congestion pricing = accessible transit

Revolutionizing Urban Mobility: How Congestion Pricing Fuels Enhanced Public Transit Accessibility

New York City’s public transit system is renowned for its ability to…
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears look to get payback against Michah Parsons-less Green Bay Packers in NFC North showdown

Caleb Williams and Chicago Bears Aim for Redemption Against Green Bay Packers in NFC North Clash, Benefiting From Micah Parsons’ Absence

CHICAGO — Riding high with a five-game winning streak and victories in…
University of Illinois lesson materials push leftist race, class struggles on future teachers: leaked lectures

Leaked Lectures Reveal University of Illinois’ Approach to Teaching Social Issues to Future Educators

EXCLUSIVE: Newly leaked slides from a freshman course at the University of…
Luigi Mangione lawyers renew bid to toss death penalty charge, alleging Pam Bondi has a conflict of interest

Luigi Mangione’s Legal Team Seeks Dismissal of Death Penalty, Citing Conflict of Interest with Pam Bondi

On Friday, attorneys representing Luigi Mangione intensified their efforts to dismiss the…
Former Hamas hostage warned Australian leaders about dangers of antisemitism months before Bondi Beach attack

Ex-Hamas Hostage’s Urgent Warning on Antisemitism Ignored: Insights Months Ahead of Bondi Beach Incident

A former hostage of Hamas, Eli Sharabi, recently shared his concerns with…
Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente identified as Brown University and MIT shooting suspect, found dead

Brown and MIT Shootings Raise Concerns: Are Elite Universities Equipped to Handle Targeted Violence?

Two fatal shootings at prestigious U.S. universities, situated just 50 miles apart,…
NC plane crash: Passenger texted family member ahead of crash that killed Greg Biffle and family, NTSB says

Tragic North Carolina Plane Crash: Passenger’s Final Text Revealed Before Incident Claims Lives of Greg Biffle and Family, Reports NTSB

STATESVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively…
Australian state weighs ban on 'globalize the intifada' chants, masked protesters in wake of Hanukkah attack

Australian State Considers Ban on Controversial Chants and Masks Post-Hanukkah Attack

In New South Wales, Australia, authorities are considering a prohibition on the…
CNN staffers are reportedly loathing a potential Paramount Skydance takeover -- but don't expect the Ellisons to kill the news agency

Why CNN Staffers Fear a Paramount Skydance Takeover: The Inside Scoop on the Ellison’s Impact

Within the corridors of CNN, there’s a palpable sense of relief as…
92-year-old's bittersweet journey to becoming a New York candy-store icon

92-Year-Old Becomes Beloved New York Candy Store Icon in Heartwarming Journey

In the heart of Manhattan’s East Village, Ray’s Candy Store stands as…
LA deputies caught on camera racing into foggy ocean to rescue disoriented paragliders

Los Angeles Deputies Heroically Dive into Foggy Waters to Rescue Stranded Paragliders

Two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies heroically saved two paragliders from a…