By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- • Atlantic City firefighters and police responded to a water rescue near Rhode Island Avenue Beach on New Year’s Eve.
- • A distressed man in the water allegedly attacked a firefighter with a concealed screwdriver during the rescue.
- • Firefighter Dominic Gitto was treated for hypothermia and released the same day.
- • The rescued man was taken into custody and later admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit.
- • Authorities said the incident remains under review.
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — An Atlantic City water rescue on New Year’s Eve escalated into a violent encounter after a distressed man allegedly attacked a firefighter during rescue efforts near Rhode Island Avenue Beach, authorities said.
Firefighters and police were dispatched at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2025, following reports of an adult male in distress in the water off the jetty. Crews initiated a water rescue response upon arrival.
According to officials, Firefighter Dominic Gitto reached the man using a rescue longboard. During the attempt to secure him, the individual allegedly produced a concealed screwdriver and attempted to stab the firefighter. Gitto reportedly deflected the attack and continued rescue efforts as the man displayed erratic behavior.
Additional rescue resources, including a waverunner and rescue sled, were deployed as crews formed a human chain to move the man into shallow water. Atlantic City police officers entered the water, gained control of the individual, and took him into custody.
During the rescue, Gitto’s dry suit took on water, exposing him to cold conditions. He was transported to Atlantic City Medical Center, treated for acute hypothermia, and released later the same day. The rescued man was transported by EMS for medical evaluation and was later admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit. Authorities have not released further details, and the investigation remains ongoing.