At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, units from the Atlantic City Fire Department and Atlantic City Police Department responded to a report of a male in distress in the water off the jetty near Rhode Island Avenue Beach. ACFD units responding to the incident included Engine Companies 1, 2, and 7; Ladder 1; Rescue 1; Marine 1; and Battalion 1. Upon arrival, fire units observed an adult male floating just beyond the jetty. The individual appeared conscious but was not actively swimming. Battalion Chief Kenton T. Brookings established an incident command and coordinated all rescue and operational resources throughout the incident. Firefighter Dominic Gitto entered the water using a rescue longboard to reach the individual, Christopher Treadway, 31, of Mays Landing. During the rescue attempt, Treadway resisted contact and attempted to stab Gitto with a concealed screwdriver. Gitto successfully deflected the weapon and continued rescue efforts despite Treadway’s aggressive and erratic behavior, which responders believed was consistent with a psychiatric episode. Rescue 1 and Marine 1 subsequently arrived with a waverunner, rescue sled, and additional firefighters. Multiple attempts to secure Treadway onto the rescue sled were hindered by continued resistance. During the rescue operation, Firefighter Gitto’s dry suit began taking on water, exposing him to frigid ocean temperatures. After exiting the water, he began experiencing symptoms of acute hypothermia. Fire Department personnel provided immediate care and transported him via response vehicle to Atlantic City Medical Center (ACMC). Deputy Chief James Gillespie III notified dispatch to alert ACMC’s emergency department to prepare for a firefighter experiencing hypothermia. Gitto was treated and released later that afternoon. Fire Department personnel ultimately formed a chain and pulled Treadway into shallow water, where he again became combative. Firefighter Gitto advised responders that Treadway had been armed with a screwdriver. Atlantic City Police officers immediately entered the water to assist fire personnel, gained control of Treadway, and took him into custody.The following Atlantic City Police Department personnel entered the water during the incident: • Officer Justin Peyton • Officer Scott M. Sendrick • Officer Nickolas Cardani • Sergeant Annese K. Parks • Sergeant Valmir Loga • Officer Jerae Langford Treadway was transported by Emergency Medical Services for medical treatment and was admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit for evaluation. “This was an extremely dangerous and unpredictable rescue,” said Atlantic City Fire Chief Scott Evans. “Firefighter Gitto was sworn into the Department just a few months ago, and his actions demonstrated courage, professionalism, and personal sacrifice. Our firefighters are trained to handle hazardous situations, including cold-water rescues, and this incident underscores the importance of that training and teamwork.” The Atlantic City Fire Department and Atlantic City Police Department commend the professionalism, coordination, and bravery demonstrated by all responding personnel during this dangerous and complex rescue operation. Treadway was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, resisting arrest, and obstruction.In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Atlantic City Police Department Criminal Investigations Section at 609-347-5766 or submit a text anonymously to tip411 (847411). Begin the text with ACPD.
