Joey was a like an typical 18 year old boy. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends and family. He loved Football and the water.

7 years ago while paddleboarding with his friends in the Quemahoning Dam, Joey's hat and sunglasses fell into the water. Joey went after them in attempt to retrieve them.  Joey went under the water, only to resurface once.  He never came back up. He sank to the bottom of the dam and that is where he remained for the next 6 days. Joey had a life vest with him but did not have it on. 

 First Responders, Divers from across the state and into Maryland searched for Joey every waking hour of daylight to reunite Joey with his parents, family and friends. The outcome would not be what anyone had hoped and prayed for as Joey had recently graduated from high school and seemingly had his whole life ahead of him.  

CTEMS stood by for the entirety of the search. We provided cold beverages and rehabilitation for those who needed a rest during the heat of summer.  On the 6th and final day, with the help of state of the art sonar, Divers located Joey 30 feet down at the exact area that Joey was last seen.

Those who had the pleasure of getting to know the Dubic's and their  son Joey during the 6 day search knew that they couldn't bring Joey back but they could find him and reunite him with his Family. In a bitter sweet moment their prayers were answered as Joey's body was brought to the surface of the water and brought to shore in a boat with the rescuers that worked endlessly to find him. 

We don't always know why things happen especially to our children who seemingly have their whole lives ahead of them. We do know that Joey's unfortunate and tragic passing led the way and opened the door for a movement that would aim to "save lives", affecting those everywhere. This movement is called "Joeys Jackets".