Quick-Thinking Officers, Firefighter Save Man From Drowning In Arnold Marina Incident

On March 30th, Scott and Kathleen Gardiner visited our Eastern District station and met with two of the officers, Corporal Bilter and Officer Sattler, who were part of the rescue team.
Photo credit – Anne Arundel County Police Department

ARNOLD, Md. – A dramatic water rescue at Twin Harbors Marina on a frigid February evening ended with a life saved, thanks to the rapid response of Anne Arundel County first responders who are now being commended for their bravery and coordination.

Shortly after 6 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2025, officers from the Anne Arundel County Police Department and a firefighter/paramedic from the county fire department responded to a 911 call reporting that a man had fallen into the water at the Twin Harbors Community Association Marina in Arnold.

The call came from the man’s wife, Kathleen Gardiner, who quickly contacted emergency services after witnessing her husband, Scott Gardiner, fall from the dock into the frigid water. Within six minutes, first responders arrived at the scene and worked together to pull Scott to safety.

Anne Arundel County Police officers Corporal Bilter, Corporal Keller, and Officer Sattler, along with Firefighter Paramedic Danielle Murray, acted swiftly, battling cold temperatures and challenging conditions to rescue the man.

“Their fast action made all the difference,” said a department spokesperson. “In a situation like that, every second counts.”

Behind the scenes, Police Communications Operators Yvette Lipscomb and Meghann Alder were credited with expertly managing the 911 call and dispatch operations. Their calm and professional response was vital to getting help on scene quickly.

On March 30, the Gardiners visited the Eastern District police station to personally thank some of the officers who helped save Scott’s life. The couple expressed their “deepest gratitude” to the entire rescue team.

The Anne Arundel County Police Department praised the responders for their coordinated efforts, calling the incident “a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication our first responders bring to the job every day.”