Hero, 79, Honored for Saving Life of Little Boy, 2, Drowning Off Montauk Dock

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Photos by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.

EAST HAMPTON, NY - A Montauk hero was honored this week for saving the life of a drowning little boy, 2.

On June 1, John "Johnny Marlin" DeLuca of Montauk, 79, came to the rescue of the child, who was drowning after falling off a dock into Lake Montauk; the toddler was underwater for several minutes.

DeLuca rushed to the scene and helped resuscitate the child.

At Thursday's East Hampton Town Board meeting at Town Hall, DeLuca was presented with a proclamation from the town, thanking him for his selfless act of heroism.

The save highlighted a critical message for East End residents who enjoy oceans and bays for recreation, as Montauk Fire Department Chief Joseph Lenahan and Joseph Dryer, chairman of the Montauk Fire District Commissioners, addressed water safety at marinas and other boat docks, both public and private, at the meeting.

The Montauk Fire Department will have news next week about its plans to hold a symposium at the firehouse in the very near future to educate the public about water safety.

Reporting by Richard Lewin.