Two Toms River Township Public Works employees are being praised for stepping in to comfort and assist a 6-year-old boy after his mother suffered a medical episode while walking him to school.

The incident occurred on September 3, the first day of school, as the mother and her son were walking to East Dover Elementary School. Emergency medical personnel were called to assist the mother, while the young boy was left visibly distressed as first responders tended to her.

Public Works employees Louis Reed and Ed Kempker were nearby in a township truck and quickly stepped in to help. Reed comforted the boy, safely escorted him across the busy intersection at Vaughn Avenue and made sure he arrived at school safely and on time, while Kempker assisted from the truck.

East Dover Elementary School Principal Matthew Gray praised the employees for their compassion and quick thinking, saying their actions transformed what could have been a traumatic morning for the child into an example of community support.

Toms River Mayor Daniel Rodrick also thanked the two employees for their actions, saying the township was fortunate to have them serving the community. The Toms River Regional School District similarly expressed its appreciation for their quick and compassionate response.

The township’s Public Works Department is responsible for numerous municipal services, including roadway maintenance, sanitation and emergency response within Toms River.