2 Norwalk Police Officers Recognized By Department For Rescuing Boater From Burning Sailboat

NORWALK, CT — The Norwalk Police Department recently announced two police sergeants have been named officers of the month for June 2026.

In two separate Facebook posts, the department said police sergeants Justin Bisceglie and David Geismar were recognized for their heroic actions on June 14 rescuing a boater from a burning sailboat off Bell Island.

According to police, Bisceglie and Geismar were on marine patrol when they heard a marine radio call reporting a boat fire.

The police sergeants responded immediately and located a 36-foot sailboat about one mile south of the Norwalk Yacht Club, where they found the skipper stranded on the bow desperately signaling for help as heavy smoke poured from the cabin, according to the department.

Police said Geismar skillfully maneuvered the patrol boat alongside the burning vessel, allowing Bisceglie to safely rescue the skipper.

Bisceglie then boarded the sailboat to extinguish the fire, police said.

"After emptying two extinguishers into the flames, he felt the heat and determined that the fire was in the engine room and that the extinguishers were not capable of extinguishing it," the department wrote on Facebook.

Due to the fiery conditions, Bisceglie boarded a Darien police boat, which responded to assist, police said.

The Norwalk Fire Department's fireboat then arrived and brought the blaze under control, according to police.

"Thanks to the swift, coordinated response, the skipper was safely brought ashore, evaluated by medical personnel and fortunately suffered no injuries," police wrote. "Their actions, without a doubt, prevented serious injury to the skipper, or possibly worse. Their dedication and professionalism during this very dangerous response demonstrated true heroism in the line of duty."

The department also thanked Bisceglie and Geismar for their "outstanding dedication to protecting our community."