Paterson cop risks life to save woman from great falls plunge
Courtesy of Paterson PD

Paterson cop risks life to save woman from Great Falls plunge

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1 min read
July 29, 2025

PATERSON, NJ – A Paterson police officer risked his life in the middle of the night to rescue a woman drifting toward the 77-foot drop at the Great Falls.

The incident happened around 12:31 a.m. on July 28, less than 100 yards from the precipice, when Officer Eric El-Zind entered the dark, debris-filled Passaic River to reach the woman. He managed to secure her until other officers and Paterson firefighters arrived to assist.

El-Zind, who joined the department in 2022, was credited with preventing a near tragedy during the high-risk rescue. For his courage and commitment to protecting life Officer El-Zind has been named the July 2025 Officer of the Month.

Authorities have not released the woman’s name or her condition.

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News

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