'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
Millionaire developer found dead in ritzy beach home; bizarrely dressed suspect arrested after standoff

Wealthy Developer Discovered Dead in Luxury Beach House; Unusual Suspect Apprehended Following Intense Standoff

A strangely dressed individual is believed to have murdered a 92-year-old millionaire…
12 Arab and Islamic countries unite to condemn 'heinous' Iranian attacks

12 Arab and Islamic Nations Stand United Against Iran’s ‘Heinous’ Aggressions: A Bold Condemnation

A coalition of 12 Arab and Islamic nations on Thursday strongly condemned…
'Teen takeover' shut down at Blue Cypress Park after fights, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says

Jacksonville Authorities Halt Teen Takeover at Blue Cypress Park Amid Rising Tensions

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reported the arrest of three individuals following a…
LAPD union calls for probe into LA council president over alleged call during traffic stop

LAPD Union Requests Investigation into LA Council President Following Alleged Traffic Stop Incident

Exclusive to Fox: The Los Angeles Police Union is urging an investigation…
Iran executes 19-year-old champion wrestler Saleh Mohammadi, two others

Iran Executes 19-Year-Old Champion Wrestler Saleh Mohammadi Alongside Two Others

In a disturbing development, Iran carried out the public execution of a…
Defense for St. Simons Island dentist accused of killing boyfriend says shooting was 'justified' in trial

Defense Argues St. Simons Island Dentist Acted in Self-Defense in Boyfriend’s Shooting Trial

Suzanne Mericle is facing serious legal charges, including malice murder and two…
Bill de Blasio finally admits ‘defund the police,’ lax borders were bad ideas: ‘Made no sense’

Bill de Blasio Acknowledges Missteps in ‘Defund the Police’ and Border Policies: ‘Made No Sense

Is that truly you, Bill? Former New York City Mayor Bill de…
Photos reveal devastation inside Michigan synagogue after attack

Images Uncover Extensive Damage Inside Michigan Synagogue Following Attack

Exclusive images acquired by Fox News Digital capture the significant wreckage within…
Federal judge temporarily changes grand jury rules after Trump effort to charge members of Congress

Federal Judge Alters Grand Jury Protocol Amid Trump’s Bid to Indict Congress Members

Chief U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, known for his frequent judicial clashes…
Iran’s hidden mountain nuclear site raises urgent threat, must be ‘neutralized': reports

Iran’s Secretive Mountain Nuclear Site Sparks Global Alarm: Urgent Calls for Neutralization Intensify

Recent assessments have revealed that Iran’s potentially most perilous nuclear facility is…
Fired NYS teacher charged with threatening ex-boss, then posts unsettling video

Dismissed New York State Educator Accused of Threatening Former Supervisor, Shares Disturbing Video Online

A former Spanish teacher from a Westchester County middle school has found…
Democrats blew it, now two Republicans could snatch Governor race

Democratic Setback Paves Way for Two Republican Contenders in Governor’s Race

Several months ago, California Democrats were urged to strategize effectively: either rally…