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.
