SCPD: Horse Rescued from Collapsed Cesspool in Islip Terrace
Islip Terrace, NY - December 1, 2017 - Suffolk County Police officers, local business owners and first responders helped rescue a horse that fell into a collapsed cesspool.
Suffolk County Police Third Precinct Officer Brian Magill responded to a call of a horse which was trapped in a large hole in the backyard of a residence, located on Oceanside Street in Islip Terrace, New York, at approximately 3:50 p.m. on November 30. The horse, a 6-year-old gelding named Santino, escaped from his barn and began grazing on grass in the backyard of the home when he fell into a collapsed cesspool. Santino’s head was approximately 4 feet below ground level in the hole that measured approximately 6 feet in diameter. Santino was up to his neck in water and waste when police arrived.
Upon arrival, Officer Magill coordinated efforts and immediately sought out heavy equipment from local businesses and first responders. Islip Terrace Fire Department arrived and pumped out waste and water that was threatening to drown Santino. Michael Barasso from Barasso & Sons, located on Floral Park Street in Islip Terrace, responded with employees and a pay loader that was used to excavate a ramp that allowed rescuers access to Santino. Suffolk County Police Emergency Service Unit officers, Islip Town Technical Rescue Team, Islip Terrace Fire Department, Islip Fire Department, Central Islip Fire Department and the SPCA responded and aided in the rescue. Charles Gandolfo of Higbie Collision, located on Higbie Lane, West Islip, responded with a tow truck equipped with a lift boom and stood by in case efforts with the pay loader failed.
Santino was examined at the scene by veterinarians and does not appear to be injured. Santino’s owner, Angelo Buonomo, 67, of 14th St., West Babylon, purchased the American Quarter Horse two years ago in Louisiana, the day before he was scheduled to be slaughtered.