Town rocked by drowning death at Reservoir Pond

Editor’s note: See this week’s print edition for a tribute to Jimmy Paschal.

The Canton community remains in a state of shock and sadness following the accidental drowning death of a local resident in Reservoir Pond last week.

The body of the victim, James Paschal, 26, a lifelong resident and CHS graduate, was recovered around 2 a.m. on Thursday, August 2, following a massive search and rescue operation that lasted for more than six hours. In all, some 50 police officers, firefighters, and diving specialists from several areas departments took part in the rescue efforts.

The initial 911 call came in around 8 p.m. Wednesday evening from a Pleasant Circle resident who had witnessed the victim struggling in the water. The caller, according to police, ran to request assistance and to retrieve a life preserver, but by the time she returned the victim had sunk below the surface.

First responders from the Canton Police Department, including Chief Ken Berkowitz, immediately dived in the water near the Pleasant Circle Beach area. Also diving in were Officer Scott Brown, Lt. Chuck Rae, Det. Sgt. Mike Lank, and Officer Michael Chin. Detective Glen Piro and Officer Chip Yeaton were on shore helping to direct the swimmers.

The CFD launched its inflatable rescue boats upon arrival. Canton Police and Fire requested assistance from the State Police Air Wing and Dive Team, the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Council Marine Unit, Sharon and Stoughton fire boats, and diving specialists from the Quincy Police Department. Berkowitz and Fire Chief Charles Doody coordinated the rescue effort and Det. Sgt. Paul Gallagher served as the family liaison. Acting Fire Captain Jeff O’Brien put out the call requesting mutual aid from various departments.

Doody said the victim’s boat was approximately 50 to 75 yards from shore but was drifting toward the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital. He said his body was found approximately 200 yards from Pleasant Circle Beach through a meticulous diving grid search. “We were prepared to go all night looking,” said Doody.

Both chiefs said their departments are still grieving. “We are grateful for the assistance we received from all of our partners and our condolences go out to the family,” said Berkowitz.

Regarding the rescue response, the chief said the responding officers did what any officer would have done under the circumstances. “It just happens that’s who was working that shift,” he said. “Our cops selflessly put others before themselves everyday. Our community is very lucky to have such dedicated and committed people working for our fire and police.”

“This is tough for all of us,” added Doody, “but I think the CFD and Canton Police worked great together. The communication and coordination was outstanding. We did the best we could under the circumstances.”

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