Alumnus helps rescue swimmers at Oceanfront

Thomas DeMartini, a 1993 Old Dominion graduate and a master police officer with the Virginia Beach Police Department, was credited with rescuing two swimmers at the Oceanfront the afternoon of Sept. 1

According to a report in the Sept. 2 Virginian-Pilot, DeMartini, who received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice, had been patrolling the beach when he noticed two swimmers in distress. The two, a 22-year-old man and 16-year-old girl who were visiting the area with relatives, were about 50 yards offshore from 19th Street. DeMartini left his all-terrain vehicle and ran into the heavy surf to assist. Because they were caught in a strong rip current, and in the midst of a rough surf, he decided to keep them afloat until more help could come rather than risk overtiring the man and girl by helping them to shore.

Shortly thereafter, lifeguard Tom Gill arrived with a flotation device and helped them to the beach. The swimmers were fine and did not require medical care, but DeMartini suffered severe leg cramps during the ordeal. It was only hours earlier that he had run in the Rock & Roll Half Marathon.

"Without Officer DeMartini's heroic efforts, both swimmers could have drowned," said police spokesman Don Rimer, as quoted in The Pilot.

DeMartini is a seven-year veteran of the Virginia Beach Police Department.