ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Two deputies from St. Johns County have been praised for their quick thinking and decisive actions that averted a potential disaster, rescuing an elderly man from a submerged car using a simple but effective tool.

On November 18, 2025, body camera footage captured Deputies Eddy Monduy and Jeremiah Foster sprinting into a pond at the Southeast Branch Library. The elderly driver had inadvertently driven into the water, and time was of the essence.

“As soon as I noticed the water rising near his neck, I knew we had to act immediately,” Monduy recounted.

Foster added, “I grabbed my window breaker, which I always keep in my door panel. We reached the car and initially shattered the window since the door wouldn’t open. After that, we managed to open the door, extract the man, and bring him safely out of the water.”

“You start thinking about the water, the conditions, things like that, but in reality, no amount of training could prepare you for the exact actions you take as long as you’re taking actions to try to help this person,” said Monduy.

Once safely out of the water, fire and rescue rendered aid to the man, treating him for minor cuts and bruises. 

“He was still in a condition where he couldn’t really articulate or formulate any sentences. So for me personally, we could tell he was very elderly, and reminded me of some family members. So it was sad that he was alone, but very relieved that we were able to help him, and no major injuries,” said Monduy.

Weeks later, the two men are being hailed as heroes, a title Deputy Monduy has heard before.

Back in September 2024, he helped save a young man from jumping off a bridge. 

“Myself and a few other deputies were able to, from behind, kind of just tackle him to the ground,” Monduy recalled.

One year later, he’s managed to save another life. Still, both deputies say they were simply doing their job. 

“My son thinks I’m a hero and I hope one day, when he’s a man himself, he will also dive in the water, whether he’s wearing this uniform or not, and put other people first to help them,” said Deputy Monduy.

“It’s nice we were able to save him and get him the help he needs. That’s what we’re here to do every day and that’s why we love our job,” said Deputy Foster.

Deputy Monduy has been with the Sheriff’s office for two years and Deputy Foster for only one year.                                    

They want drivers to remember to keep a window breaker and seatbelt cutter in their car for emergencies like water submersion or a car crash. If you find yourself in an emergency situation like this one, try to stay calm and call 911.