WEBSTER — In a heart-stopping incident that could have ended tragically, the quick response of Webster Police Officers and the South Worcester County Communication Center recently led to the safe recovery of an autistic toddler. The child had wandered from home and was found partially submerged in the nearby French River.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, January 13th, according to a release from the Webster Police Department on Friday afternoon, January 19th.
The S.W.C.C.C. received a distressing call at approximately 12:44 p.m. A babysitter reported that the toddler she was caring for had vanished through an open window, clad only in a diaper. Recognizing the urgency, officers Jon Brooks, Robert Rockwood, and Patrick Trainor immediately converged on the scene.
Given the known attraction to water often exhibited by individuals with autism, the officers prioritized searching the vicinity of the French River. It was there that Officer Trainor made the critical discovery: the young child was located on the bank, partially in the water. Officer Trainor rescued the toddler from the precarious situation and signaled his fellow officers.
Understanding the potential health risks of such exposure, Officer Brooks promptly called for medical support. The child was swiftly evaluated by paramedics and then transported to a local hospital as a precautionary measure.
The incident drew widespread praise for the officers and the SWCCC staff. Their exemplary coordination and rapid action in the face of potential tragedy underscored the commitment of the Webster Police Department and SWCCC to community safety.
"I commend the officers and call takers from SWCCC on doing an outstanding job in getting the information out, coordinating a response, and locating the child," stated a representative of the Webster Police Department. "This story could have had a much worse outcome. I am thankful for the hard work the men and women of the Webster Police Department and South Worcester County Communication Center do every day."
In The News
>WEATHER: Mark Rosenthal's 7-day forecast (:39). Hot and muggy, high of 96 today in Worcester
-Worcester opens cooling centers with extreme heat expected
-How to prevent heatstroke and other heat-related emergencies
>TOP OF THE NEWS
+6:00: Man admitted to Worcester shooting that left another man dead, police say
-Earlier: Worcester sees second homicide in 4 days, man arrested
+6:00: Worcester residents, politicians against proposed billboard near lake
+6:00: The Queen’s Cups bakery in Worcester is closing
+Noon: Cordella’s Coffee in Worcester: Brewing more than just coffee
+Noon: 100 FM The Pike (10:05): The Breakdown Lane
-Batista touts Worcester's economic growth, safety in latest self-evaluation
-E.V. growth outpaces chargers in Worcester
-Award-winning Worcester chocolate shop makes custom sweets (3:55)
-Etique Skin Spa owner's lifelong obsession becomes latest career venture and profession
-WATCH: Woman records dog’s run-in with a black bear in Rutland
-Discounted driver's ed expansion gets green light from Worcester schools
-A.A.A. predicts record travel for the Fourth of July holiday
-Worcester County Summer Bucket List: What activities do you do every summer?
-Radio Worcester's The Rundown (25:33): Worcester protests spark City Council rift
-Radio Worcester Roundtable (49:49): Free speech, public impact and City Hall security changes
>DINING OUT (brought to you by Patsie Dugan's): Phantom Gourmet's Great 8 places to shop & eat (5:27)
-ICYMI: Duration of physical restraints at Worcester's state mental hospital raises concerns
-In the annual midyear survey, W.B.J. readers say outlook for 2025 economy has soured
-Eddie Mekka Way street name dedicated in honor of late Worcester TV star
-Worcester bakery celebrates Karen Read verdict with tasty treats
-See the rest of the day's Worcester news
>HOLDEN (brought to you by Lamoureux Ford): This week's traffic delays and road closures
-Lamoureux Ford offers huge discounts! (2:53)
-Wachusett Echo: Small clubs are taking a dive
>THE BURBS (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): Man arrested for stealing $10 from farmstand cash jar while pretending to shop
-Fueled by the desire to establish a local eatery, Grafton Grill is now one of the town's prominent restaurants
-West Boylston's summer safety program underway
-Clinton School Committee plans for groundbreaking
-Millbury police introduce new officer
-Jim Crete "Lucky" to have "Eye" for bird houses
-George Farrington running Falmouth Road Race for Brain Injury Association
-Berlin auxiliary sent 2 to Girls State
>BARS & BANDS: The Mayor's Live Music List for Monday
>SHOWTIME: At 61, a man found singing — now he's with the Boston Pops
-Single tickets on sale for Music Worcester's 2025-2026 Season
-Nick Adams starts as new executive director at Pakachoag Music School
>OPINION: Matt Bowman: Clark alumni are watching and we’re not interested in silence
-WCCA-TV's Chandler Chat No. 467 (29:05): Charles Slatkin
-This Week in Worcester Podcast (2:17:49)
>OBITUARIES: Tribute to Worcester native who battled ovarian cancer for 6 years
>SPORTS: Patriots 53-man roster projection: How will crowded receiver room shake out?
-Red Sox lose to Giants, 9-5
-Coaches Maher, Stagani give Worcester Bravehearts players a chance to succeed
-Breavhearts to host Bark in the Park on Tuesday
-Bravehearts beat Westfield, 11-5. Next home page 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Get tickets here
-WooSox beat Buffalo, 12-10
-U.S. men's soccer team beats Haiti to secure top spot in Gold Cup group
>NATIONAL: Madman opens fire at Michigan church as video shows faithful running for their lives
-6 dead, 2 missing after boat capsizes on Lake Tahoe
>TRAGIC: Cops remove 88 children from a Bible study camp in human trafficking investigation: officials
>NEW ENGLAND: Kerry Kennedy allegedly getting $1 million+ to save family's legacy
-Pilot who died in Beverly plane crash was expecting first child with wife
>COLLEGES: Anna Maria Spring 2025 Dean’s List
-Parent perspectives: Hopes & advice for first-year WPI students (1:21)
>TRAVEL (brought to you by Fuller RV & Rental): Most dangerous beaches in the U.S.
>BUSINESS: Lowest-paying jobs in Worcester
-Investors brace for oil price spike, rush to safe havens after U.S. bombs Iran nuclear sites
>HOMES: Ugliest house in Mass.? 2 houses in running on HGTV's "Ugliest Houses"
>HEALTH: What is "tennis elbow" and how can it be treated? (1:12)
-Doctor offers revealing look at cannabis' impact on young brains (3:58)
>FOOD: Dr. Simone Wildes on food safety as summer heats up (3:23)
>TV/STREAMING: Alfred Hitchcock movies on Netflix
>MOVIES: Wes Anderson’s movies ranked from worst to best
>CELEBRITY: Actor Richard Dreyfuss returns to the Vineyard to celebrate 50 years of "Jaws"
>ANIMALS: Emaciated Great Dane gets rescued just in time (1:37)
>HISTORY: "Wicked" has long been a favorite piece of regional slang
-Meanwhile, in Kentucky, homeowners get surprise visitor when black bear crashes through ceiling onto stove
Latest obituaries | | Sunday's Highlights | | Today's horoscope | | Local Sports
Classifieds
>HELP WANTED
-Civil Engineer I, Town of Holden
-Transportation Coordinator, Holden Senior Center
-Worcester Area Director (part-time), Matthew 25
See all Help Wanteds | | Job opening? Post it here for FREE today
Quick Links: Personalize your news | | Browse members | | Advertise | | Blogs | | Invite friends | | Videos
Animals | | Boston Sports | | Business | | Cars | | Celebrity | | Colleges | | Commute & Travel | | Crime | | Faith | | Food | | Good News | | Health | | History | | Homes | | Local Sports | | Lottery | | Movies | | National | | New England | | Politics | | Shopping & Deals | | SHOWTIME! | | TV & Streaming | | Weather