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On the morning of June 16, New Canaan lifeguards Katie Quill and Michael D’Urso were on duty at the Steve Benko Pool at Waveny, just before the facility’s usual 11 a.m. opening.
Suddenly, a Tesla broke through the pool’s perimeter fence, raced past the diving board and crashed into the deep end.
The pool was empty at the time and no one was hurt, officials said.
On Tuesday, First Selectman Dionna Carlson presented Quill and D’Urso with individual proclamations honoring their roles in the rescue, reading each aloud at the regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen.
“Without hesitation, [the honoree] took decisive action to assess the situation, assist those in need, secure the area, and help ensure safety during a rapidly evolving and potentially life-threatening event,” Carlson read out at the meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference. “Their calm demeanor, sound judgment and commitment to the welfare of others reflected the highest standards of training and public service, and their actions exemplified the values of responsibility, dedication and selflessness, and serve as an inspiration to the residents of New Canaan.”
Selectman Steve Karl said the lifeguards’ response was immediate. (Security camera footage of the crash, which has since circulated widely around town, shows Quill jumping into the pool right away.)
“A car lands in the pool, and you guys assess the situation and jump in right away,” Karl said. “Thank you so much for springing into action.”
L-R: George Benington, Steve Dayton, Dionna Carlson, Michael D’Urso, Katie Quill, Steve Karl, John Howe, Police Capt. Joe Farenga, Police Deputy Chief Andrew Walsh and Interim Fire Chief William Perritt. Credit: Valentina Fuentes Jimenez
Carlson, Selectmen Amy Murphy Carroll and Karl, Parks & Recreation Commission Chair George Benington, Parks & Recreation Director John Howe and Recreation Supervisor/Aquatic Manager Steve Dayton were all on hand to honor Quill and D’Urso.
“The town of New Canaan commends and honors Katie Quill and Michael D’Urso for their heroic actions, outstanding service and unwavering commitment to public safety,” the proclamation reads.
Howe said the pool, which had to be drained and refilled after the crash, reopened June 23.