OCEAN CITY, NJ — A 73-year-old local grocery clerk was awarded for his heroic act in saving a girl from drowning.
Frank John LaFerrara, an Ocean City resident, is one of the latest recipients of the Carnegie Medal for Acts of Extraordinary Heroism - the highest honor for civilian heroism, according to the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.
LaFerrara was on the beach on Oct. 5, 2025, when a girl got caught in a rip current about 100 feet from shore near a rock jetty, where water was at least 6 feet deep, according to the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission.
He saw the girl in the distress and ran into the water, swimming towards her as she got pulled further from the shore.
LaFerrara reached her about 200 feet from the shore, where the water was about 20 feet deep.
She panicked and jumped on LaFerrara, pushing down his shoulders and submerging him.
He resurfaced, grabbing her hands and pushing her away from his body while holding onto her. LaFerrara told the girl not to panic and that he would get her to safety.
While holding one of her hands, LaFerrara swam towards the shore. The girl was submerged by the waves at least twice on the way back, but resurfaced.
LaFerrara reached wadable water and another man responded with a floatation device. The two men then walked to the shore.
The girl was unharmed. LaFerrara was short of breath but did not require further medical treatment.
The Carnegie Medal is awarded to individuals who risk serious injury or death attempting to save others. Each honoree also receives a financial grant.
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