State Police save drowning disabled man in Southeast

Southeast, New York – On May 10, 2017 at approximately 11:21 a.m., Troopers were flagged down by a unknown surveyor working in the area who reported that he observed a subject swimming in a pond located at the intersection of Route 22 and Doansburg Road.   Troopers responded to the area to conduct a welfare check.Officers approached the pond and observed a ripple across the top of the water.  Zone Sergeant John C. Hennigan, a 23-year veteran of the State Police, and Trooper Jason Kim, who has served the State Police for 2 years, immediately entered the frigid water and observed the victim submerged, face down.

Zone Sergeant Hennigan and Trooper Kim entered approximately 5-6 feet of water and brought the 40-year-old victim to the shoreline.  Troopers swiftly administered first aid to the victim who was conscious and semi-alert. Emstar Ambulance arrived at the scene and transported the victim to Danbury Hospital for further medical treatment.

The victim, a consumer from Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association, had been reported missing moments earlier and staff was actively attempting to locate him.  Thanks to the alertness of the area surveyor, the disabled man was saved.