‘You are our heroes’: West Haven first responders honored for life-saving efforts

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — West Haven officials honored the heroic efforts of several first responders in an award ceremony Tuesday night after rescuing twin toddlers from an alleged attempted drowning last month.

Dozens of officers, firefighters and dispatchers were recognized and given awards like the Medal of Merit and Lifesaving Award.

“Extraordinary and above and beyond what anybody had experienced before,” said West Haven Police Chief Joe Perno.

Perno calls the incident unlike anything the department had seen before and hopes to never see again.

“As [officers] approached the vehicle, they heard children screaming. This was an incident every person wearing a badge sees in their nightmares. Hesitation was not an option,” said Captain Joseph Romano.

Police said the screams were from two-year-old twins and their father was allegedly trying to drown them at Dawson Avenue Beach. As the screams turned silent, officers Makiem Miller and Ian Williamson jumped into neck-deep water to rescue the twins.

Romney Desronvil, 41, was arrested and charged with criminal intent to commit murder.

Perno said his officers do not have water rescue training but Williamson and Miller’s drive to save lives kicked in.

“Do what is necessary, no matter what the consequences are. They went into the water without any regard to their own safety. If they weren’t there, God knows what would have happened,” Perno said.

Officers Miller and Williamson were awarded Medals of Merit.

The twins, Giovani and Gianna, celebrated their third birthday in the hospital, but have since been released and are doing much better. The twins’ mother said she wanted to be at the ceremony, but gave Mayor Dorinda Borer this message to share to her saviors.

“You guys are our family. You are our heroes. No words can ever describe how much you mean to me and my little ones. Thank you and thank you again,” Mayor Borer said.

“I am more than proud,” Perno said.

Officers Miller and Williamson declined to speak on camera. Perno said they didn’t expect this attention, but recognize the importance of their efforts in those early morning hours of June 22.

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