Massachusetts

Soldier Rescues Woman Trapped in Quincy Floodwaters

Beth Cronin couldn't believe it as the floodwaters started to rise around her car in Quincy, Massachusetts.

Cronin was driving to drop off a delivery from Chipotle at a local doctor's office when she tried to drive through rising water during Tuesday's strong rains.

"When I was approaching, it seemed to get deeper and my car started stalling," she said.

Cronin, who has a bad back, couldn't get out of her car, so she sat and waited.

"I really had no idea what to do other than, 'This is not a good situation, the water is coming up and there is nobody around to help me,'" she recalled.

But then it happened.

Matthew Hernon, an Army National Guard specialist, was on his way to get a cup of coffee when he saw Cronin.

In video from his in-car dash-cam, you can hear Hernon hang up with his girlfriend, park his car and run toward the stuck car.

"I didn't even think twice, I just walked into the water," Hernon said.

Hernon made his way to the car and helped Cronin get through the window. He then carried her to the dry grass.

"It's just another day," he said. "I wouldn't say it's what's expected of me, but it is."

Later Tuesday, after both had a chance to dry out, the two met again.

"You told me you would be there for me, and you were," Cronin said as she leaned in to give Hernon a hug. "I hope you go home tonight saying to yourself, 'I really helped somebody today in need,' because I really was in need. You really helped me, and I praise you."

Contact Us