Suffolk County Legislator McCaffrey Honors Local Heroes

LongIsland.com

On February 4th, Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) honored a trio of truly exceptional local heroes

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Pictured Left to Right: Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez; SCPD Lt. Joseph Hauswirth; SCPD Deputy Inspector Joseph Busweiler; SCPD Inspector Matthew Lewis; Supervisor Rich Schaffer; Patrick Chatterton; Finn Chatterton; SCPD Police Officer Kristen Derkevics; Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey; Receiver of Taxes Corinne DiSomma; and Town Clerk Carol Quirk.

Babylon, NY - February 12th, 2016 - On February 4th, Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) honored a trio of truly exceptional local heroes. At a ceremony taking place at Babylon Town Hall, Finn Chatterton, Patrick Chatterton, and Police Officer Kristen Derkevics, were officially recognized for their recent lifesaving efforts. The event was attended by the proud families and friends of the heroes, in addition to town and county officials.

The events leading up to this celebration took place just one week earlier at the docks along a canal in Babylon Village. A twelve-year-old boy was playing just a little too close to the water when he lost his footing and fell into the frigid water. The boy struggled to free himself and began to scream for help in desperation. Fortunately, seven-year-old Finn Chatterton and his father, Patrick, were not too far away. Finn heard the faint sound of screams and alerted his father, and together they were led to the docks. Soon thereafter, Officer Derkevics arrived on the scene, as did a number of Village personnel.

Patrick explained how he used a shovel to help pull the twelve-year-old out from the water, as Officer Derkevics kept the boy as calm as possible. By working together, they succeeded in getting the boy to safety and averted what would likely have been a devastating tragedy to the community.

“I am just so thankful that we have such caring and quick-thinking people here in Suffolk County,” said McCaffrey. “We would not have had this happy conclusion if it were not for these three individuals. I hope that this incident serves to remind all of us just how dangerous it is to be by bodies of water alone, especially for a child.”

To learn more about Legislator Kevin McCaffrey’s work in both the Suffolk County Legislature and the community, those interested are strongly encouraged to visit his website.

About Suffolk County Legislator Kevin McCaffrey
Legislator McCaffrey represents Suffolk County’s 14th Legislative District which encompasses the Village of Lindenhurst, Babylon Village, the hamlets of West Babylon and North Lindenhurst, portions of Copiague, North Babylon, and Babylon’s barrier beach communities.