Heroic Rockland Rescuers Recognized by Town of Ramapo

by M. C. Millman

Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht recognized the valiant efforts of the heroic individuals who didn't hesitate to brave the frigid waters of Suzanne Lake to rescue a nine-year-old who had disappeared under the ice, as reported by Rockland Daily here.

Shlomie Spira, Chaverim and Hatzoloh member; Mark Schuster, Hatzoloh paramedic; and Usher Weider, a Satmar bus driver were all honored for their heroic actions on Wednesday night.

The supervisor emphasized thanking all the volunteers who didn't hesitate to save a life on Monday - Hatzoloh of Rockland, Chaverim of Rockland, the Ramapo Police Department, and the Monsey Fire Department. as well as the civilians present such as the bus driver- who dropped everything to help someone in need.

"It is typical behavior seen every day here in the town,"  the supervisor stated, "and we are happy to be able to take the time for this recognition. their quick action resulted in preventing a tragedy for the child and his family as well as the whole community."

After his rescue, the boy was taken to Westchester Medical Center, which subsequently lauded the efforts of the rescuers and the tremendous job done by Hatzoloh in taking all of the appropriate actions to save the life of the boy who had been almost fully submerged for 5-6 minutes.  Hospital personnel praised  Hatzoloh for saving a life through their quick-thinking actions in removing the boy's wet clothing, starting an IV, and giving him warmed saline while covering him with warm blankets and hot packs so that when he arrived at Westchester, his body temp was 99.2.