Boothbay Harbor Police Chief Doug Snyder was off duty June 29 when he happened by the scene of a medical emergency. It was a nightmare scenario when he arrived as medical teams were working to save a lifeless 5-year-old. Weeks later, the boy was home riding his bike.  

“I just happened to be driving by at the right time and offered a hand,” Snyder said.    

According to Boothbay EMS Chief Dan Gardner, the professional and coordinated efforts from a team of police, fire and medical responders were critical in saving the child’s life. Gardner recognized the Boothbay Harbor police and fire departments for their actions and presented appreciation awards to Snyder and Fire Chief Nick Upham at the Aug. 12 Boothbay Harbor selectmen’s meeting, 

“I want to say that the two chiefs who stand here before me are, by far, two of the best leaders that I have had the privilege to work with,” Gardner said of his over three-decade career. “There are two things that are cherished gifts to all of us. The gift of life, and the gift of second chances. On June 29, 2024, you heroically gave both of those gifts to a 5-year-old little boy named Rydan.” 

Boothbay Region Ambulance Service, Boothbay Harbor Fire Department, Boothbay Harbor Police Department, Boothbay Fire Department, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and LifeFlight of Maine responded to the emergency, according to Gardner. Gardner, Snyder and Upham all commended the teamwork between the agencies and staff during the emergency.

During his award presentation, Gardner recounted the day’s events when Rydan had been the victim of cardiac arrest. He said Snyder arrived on the scene where EMS was active and immediately assisted, providing whatever resources were needed. Eventually, the team was able to transport Rydan, who had regained his pulse, to the ambulance. Gardner said they arrived at the high school where Upham and his team had a landing zone secured and ready for EMS and LifeFlight. Under Upham’s direction, Rydan was transferred to the helicopter. He was then flown to Maine Medical Center in Portland.  

Gardner said he watched the responders as LifeFlight took off. He said he saw happiness in their eyes because they did a good job, but also an unknowing look as they wondered if the child would survive.  

“With someone who hasn't even got a move on life it’s just tough on the heart,” Upham said. “There's really not words for that. You just feel remorse for the kid. You hope it’s going to be OK and, until you know what the outcome is going to be, you just keep hoping for the best.” 

In the following weeks, Gardner kept in touch with Rydan’s mother and received daily updates. During their last phone call, he said the boy was home and riding his bike. Gardner said hearing the happiness in the mother’s voice was the reason he and other emergency responders do their jobs.  

“I would like to say that I am not only honored to be your friend and colleague, I am honored to be the one that presents you with these tokens of appreciation for your joint efforts that day, which resulted in a child's life being saved,” Gardner told Snyder and Upham. “Both of you and your staff are the true definition of heroes.”