Grateful Woman Thanks Southold Fire Department For Life-Saving Help After Accident

SOUTHOLD, NY — The float was perhaps one of the most meaningful in Saturday's July 4 parade in Southold: The festive, bright red truck had a large banner from the Amengual family thanking Southold first responders — and it was a message straight from the heart.

Ann Amengual and her family have reached out to share their message of deep thanks to the Southold Fire Department and first responders who turned out in force to help save her when she was badly injured in a head-on crash on Main Bayview Road in Southold in September.

Amengual said she suffered "multiple traumas as a result of the accident," but she is recovering. "I'm progressing steadily and we wanted to personally thank all the volunteer firefighters who came to my aid on that day," she said. "They were remarkable. All the EMTs, everyone, was just so professional and reassuring to me and to my family, as well."

Amengual, who was 66 at the time of the accident, lives part-time on Goose Creek; she was entrapped in her vehicle on the day of the crash.

And for the many first responders who were there that day, hearing that she's survived and is recovering is the best possible news.

"Many members of the fire department told me they never get any closure, they never hear what happens. I wanted them to hear from me, personally. I wanted to hug each and every one of them that were there — I really did try to hug them all," Amengual said.

Amengual also thanks her husband Randy, her children Jennifer and Matthew, her son-in-law Gene, her daughter-in-law Monica and her sister-in-law Amy and her husband Doug, as well as many friends, who've all been there to support her through her hospital stay and recovery.

Life has changed since the accident, she said. "You're grateful for every minute you have."

Colin J. Ryan, 31, of Massapequa and his dog lost their lives in the crash, police said.

Southold Town Police responded to the two car accident at 11:25 a.m. on September 3 and found the two vehicles in the roadway, "heavily damaged" from the head-on collision, police said.

Amengual was treated at the scene by Southold Fire Department before being airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital, police said. Her vehicle was so badly damaged that it took more than 30 minutes to extricate Amengual with heavy rescue equipment, police said.

Southold and Cutchogue Fire Departments responded to the scene. No charges were filed in the accident.

Southold Fire Department Second Assistant Chief Peggy Killian said hearing that Amengual survived and is recovering brought tears to the many who worked to save her life.

"It's so nice to find out how people make out — and when they come to the fire department to say 'thanks,' it makes all we do worthwhile," she said.

Reflecting on the accident, Killian added, "She is a lucky lady."

Patch photos by Lisa Finn.