NYPD Counterterrorism officers rescued a 16-year-old boy who fell through the ice on The Pond in Central Park Monday afternoon.
Park goers flagged down two Critical Response Command officers, who first attempted to use a ladder to get out on the ice to where the teen was. Officers Anthony DiSpigna and Eddie Radoncic could not reach the teen who was halfway submerged in the water. The duo quickly removed their gear to make themselves lighter and went out onto the ice to save the boy.
“We’re here to save people when we put this uniform on that’s our priority,” said Officer Eddie Radoncic.
“Time being of the essence, the young man in the water for quite a period of time, Officer Radoncic took one length of the ladder, took his gun belt off, walked out onto the ice with the ladder, slid the length of the ladder to the individual,” Chief of Counterterrorism James Waters said.
“The young man was able to grab the rung of the ladder. Officer Radoncic then started to pull, and pulled him out of the water.”
“He was soaking wet, he turned blue, he was shaking and in shock,” Officer Radoncic said. “We were able to comfort him and take him to the hospital. He’s doing OK.”
“Bystanders were giving us clothes, we took off some of our clothes, we got some blankets and heat packs trying to warm him up,” Officer Dispigna said.
The teen was taken to NYU Medical Center and is in stable condition.
“Parents need to speak to their children about the dangers,” Chief Waters said. “We talk about water safety in the summer time with swimming pools and lakes. They should also talk to their children about the dangers of ice and breaking ice. Had it not been for these offices here right now, the results could have been tragic.”
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