How A New Milford Diver Recovers Lost Treasures In Candlewood Lake

Ever misplace something in Candlewood Lake? Maybe toss in your wedding ring after trying to “look cool” diving off the boat? Don’t worry, there’s a guy for that. Meet PJ Harrington, a 34-year-old New Milfordian and full-time underwater treasure detective. Owner of Harrington Diving & Marine Services, PJ spends his days (and weekends, mostly) diving into murky depths, retrieving everything from cell phones and sunglasses to those monogrammed wedding bands people thought were forever.

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Since 2012, PJ’s been chasing after lost bling and needed stuff. He’s received over 50 panicked calls this summer and has dove 30 to 40 times in the past year alone. Most requests hit him on Friday or Saturday night. It sounds like weekend-fun equals forget-your-valuables time. According to the News-Times, he’s got a near 90% success rate, which is impressive given that underwater visibility is often “chocolate milk” silt with a side of debris.

Wedding Rings, Phones, Sunglasses — New Milford Diver Recovers Them All

PJ’s story isn’t just “I love scuba, so here I am.” He studied engineering, worked in marine sales, and then got certified. He went to dive school and eventually started doing serious work, including inspecting bridges (underwater!), building docks, removing them, and doing environmental work. According to the News-Times, when not hauling people’s submerged gear, he actually enjoys quiet spots of the lake—notably Sherman—those peaceful moments where it’s just him, some water, and maybe a lost ring bobbing around.