Mineola, NY - May 6, 2016 - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter and Island Park Mayor Michael McGinty honored members of the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) and members of the Island Park Fire Department at a press event today in Mineola. Thanks to a collaborative effort, these heroic first responders were saved the lives of two individuals that were submerged in six feet of water approximately 50 feet from the bulkhead in the vicinity of Block Lane and Warwick Road in Island Park.

Pictured is County Executive Mangano; Island Park Mayor Michael McGinty; and Island Park Firefighters 1st Assistant Chief James Miotto; 2nd Assistant Chief Michael Whalen, Ex. Captain Donny Cardineau, Firefighter Ronald Nurnberger Jr., Firefighter Louis Quilca and Firefighter Jenna Thilman. Not pictured is Inwood Fire Department’s 1st Asst. Chief Anthony Rivelli Jr.

“It is a true testament to these first responders that they have devoted their lives to protecting and serving the people of Nassau County,” said County Executive Mangano. “These first responders are truly deserving of the recognition accorded to them for helping save two of our residents from a tragic ending. Working collaboratively they truly made a difference.”

Quick thinking on the part of members of the NCPD’s Fourth Precinct enabled first responders to reach the passengers as they utilized a ladder to create a bridge between the top of the submerged vehicle and a floating dock. NCPD Officers, members of the Island Park Fire Department and a member of the Inwood Fire Department, were able to work together to free both the driver of the vehicle and the injured passenger. In addition, members of the NCPD’s Communications Bureau and Aviation Unit were instrumental in the overall effort to save these two lives. The two individuals received medical attention once extricated and the passenger was flown by NCPD Aviation to a local hospital for additional care.