A 2-year-old Brown Deer boy nearly drowned in his family's pool. Weeks later, he reunited with the people who saved him.

Lydia Morrell, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
Two-year-old Isaac Velazquez and his family pose for a photo with North Shore Fire Rescue firefighters on July 30. Firefighter and paramedic Teagan Melin (three from left) helped rescue Isaac from drowning in Brown Deer on July 27.
Two-year-old Isaac Velazquez and his family pose for a photo with North Shore Fire Rescue firefighters on July 30. Firefighter and paramedic Teagan Melin (three from left) helped rescue Isaac from drowning in Brown Deer on July 27.

After a team of rescuers and neighbors saved him from drowning July 27, 2-year-old Isaac Velazquez met his rescuers on Monday as his happy, healthy self.

Emergency personnel reported that Isaac stopped breathing, and likely would have died, if not for the quick response of family, neighbors and first responders. Their reunion on Monday, with Isaac back to full health, was a chance for Brown Deer residents and first responders to see the rewards of a successful rescue.

“From the initial arrival on scene, I don't think that it appeared there was going to be a good outcome,” said Brown Deer Police Lt. Joseph Hahn. “So the efforts that went in with everyone involved, really just everything went as perfect as it could have.”

Hahn said calls involving children are not common but put first responders on edge, especially those who are parents.

“It’s one of those calls that you just dread going to,” Hahn said.

Isaac was in his family’s in-ground pool in Brown Deer for about five minutes before his pulse stopped and he stopped breathing, according to North Shore Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Dan Tyk. A neighbor called 911 and the dispatcher instructed Isaac’s mom and another neighbor while administering CPR.

The police and fire department arrived and took over CPR efforts, resuscitating Isaac and bringing him to the Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. At the ceremony on Monday, both neighbors and the dispatcher, Nancy Schupp, were awarded for their efforts in saving Isaac.

Tyk said when Isaac arrived and got to meet dispatcher Schupp, it was a “goosebump moment” for his team.

“We face a lot of tragedy and so when you get a positive outcome like this and you get an opportunity to see the positive outcome in person, I definitely think it gives a boost to everybody involved,” Tyk said.

Lydia Morrell can be reached at 320-444-2339 or lmorrell@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter at @lydia_morrell. 

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Brown Deer who nearly drowned reunited with rescuers who save his life