Lynn honors 60-year-old heroic rescue at Flax Pond

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The city of Lynn, Massachusetts recognized Joseph A. Demers, now 84 years old, for his heroic actions 60 years ago when he rescued two young boys, Timothy J. Beary (4) and Mark R. Miner (6), from drowning in Flax Pond. In 1966, Demers, then a 24-year-old truck driver, jumped into the freezing pond without hesitation to save the boys who had fallen through the ice.

Why it matters

Demers' selfless act of courage 60 years ago saved the lives of two young boys, with one of them, Timothy Beary, going on to serve 22 years in the army and start a family. The recognition by the city of Lynn highlights the importance of community members stepping up to help others in times of crisis, even decades later.

The details

On March 17, 1966, the two young boys, who could not swim, had walked onto the thin ice of Flax Pond and fallen through about 40 feet from shore. While Miner clung to the edge, Beary slipped beneath the surface. Seeing what happened, Demers ran to the opposite side of the pond, jumped into the freezing water without removing his clothes, and made his way to the hole in the ice. He dove under, spotted Beary just below the surface, and pulled him to safety. Demers then reached for Miner, and with the combined weight of the two boys, he struggled to the shore, carrying them to safety.

• On March 17, 1966, the incident occurred at Flax Pond in Lynn, Massachusetts.
• On March 17, 2026, the city of Lynn recognized Joseph Demers for his heroic actions 60 years prior.