RINDGE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) – A Rindge Police Detective has been honored for his actions that saved a man’s life following a crash in December.

According to the Commendation from Rindge Police Chief Rachel Malynowski, on Saturday December 21, 2024, Detective Christopher Martin and Officer Tessa Yoder responded to a report of a single vehicle crash on Route 119 near Meadow View Road, and while enroute they were informed that the driver may have been impaired and had jumped into a nearby body of water.

Martin and Yoder arrived on scene and determined that a Jeep Compass had traveled off the roadway and crashed into a tree, resulting in significant damage, and confirmed that the driver was in the water and struggling to stay afloat.

Malynowski said a group of passersby attempted to help from the shore, but their efforts were ignored.

The temperature that day was 15 degrees with the wind chill making it feel closer to five, and at that point the driver had been treading water for nearly 10 minutes in the frigid weather. Martin recognized that the driver, only identified as a male in the Commendation, was becoming increasingly distressed and was likely hypothermic, as his efforts to stay afloat were deteriorating.

Martin removed his gear and jumped fully clothed into the water and was able to bring the man to shore despite his attempts to resist. The man was ultimately air-lifted to a trauma center to be treated for serious injuries and severe hypothermia.

Malynowski said the man did survive and is expected to make a full recovery, and a failure to act or delayed action likely would have led to a tragic outcome.

Last week, Martin was presented with the Rindge Police Department Life-Saving Award for his actions that day.

In addition to the Commendation, Martin also received a Life-Saving Medal and a Life-Saving Service Pin to wear on his uniform daily.

“Detective Martin’s quick response, recognition of the severity of the situation and immediate and selfless actions resulted in saving a life,” the Commendation says. “Detective Martin has displayed extreme professionalism and an innate value for human life.”

The commendation didn’t say if the man was facing any charges.