ROCKLAND — Rockport resident Raeanna Fraser was honored this week for her role in helping avoid tragedy when a young boy was pulled from the water at Chickawaukie Pond beach, not breathing, on July 28. Fraser performed CPR on the boy, after another Good Samaritann had moments earlier pulled the boy out of the water.

Rockland Police Department honored Fraser with the department’s "Challenge Coin" for her role in the heroic action at Johnson Memorial Park, also known as Chickawaukie Beach, in Rockland.

According to a press release, the incident unfolded July 28 at approximately 8 p.m., when Fraser was with her family at the Park off Route 17. As Fraser was enjoying the evening at the beach with her family, police said she was alerted to a commotion nearby on the beach. Fraser rushed over and observed a young boy who had been pulled from the water. The boy was blue and not breathing.

Police said Fraser took a pulse and could not detect one, and immediately began CPR on the boy. Through her effort, the boy began to breath slightly, they said. Fraser continued CPR until Rockland EMS arrived and the young boy was transported to Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

“Fraser recognized the danger and immediately took action to save the life of this young boy. Fraser's quick response resulted in the safe resolution of a nearly tragic situation and was done with self-assurance and displayed poise under a stressful situation,” said the press release.

"Today, more than ever before, our community's first line of defense needs our citizen's willingness to become involved. A safe community is not a spectator sport. Everyone needs to get involved. The City of Rockland is grateful that you were willing to get involved, " said Rockland Police Chief Bruce Boucher during the ceremony.

Boucher said that officers Andrew Redden and Addison Cox recommended Fraser for this award.

The award of a departmental "Challenge Coin" is given to acknowledge citizens and employees alike who commit acts of extraordinary kindness, or unselfishly give of themselves to help others.

On Aug. 5, Boucher and Deputy Chief Chris Young met with the man who entered the water at Chickawaukie Beach and pulled the young boy out and onto the beach. He was presented with a letter of Appreciation and a Challenge Coin as well for his actions on July 28. He and his family wished to be anonymous and his wishes were honored, according to the press release.