Man honored for rescuing potential drowning victim from the Napa River

(KRON) — The Napa Police Department has awarded a man for rescuing a person from drowning in the Napa River shortly after 11 p.m. on May 2.

That night, the Napa Police Department received multiple 911 calls about a person in the river near the 800 block of Marina Drive. One of those callers was Esmeralda Gonzales, who reported that her husband, Angel Espinoza, jumped into the river to save them.

“Given previous similar calls this year, there was significant concern for the safety of both individuals in the river,” the Napa Police Department said.

Espinoza successfully pulled the person to safety and brought them to paramedics for medical care. Napa PD called the rescue a “courageous action.”

“Medical personnel later confirmed that the person likely would not have survived had Angel not intervened when he did,” Napa PD said.

Napa PD presented Espinoza with the “Citizen Award” for his efforts.

“Angel Espinoza demonstrated remarkable courage, putting himself at risk to save a stranger,” Napa PD said. “His actions reflect the ideals of our community service medal where in any emergency or situation a community member’s actions made an extraordinary contribution to the Department.”