Cops Save Drowning Man Missing from Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association

SOUTHEAST, NY — State police are thanking a surveyor who reported that he had seen someone swimming in a pool at Route 22 and Doansburg Road. His report saved a man's life.

On May 10, 2017 at about 11:21 a.m., state troopers were flagged down by a unidentified 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.

The troopers responded to the area to conduct a welfare check. But when they approached the pond all they saw was 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.

Hennigan and Kim forged through 5-6 feet of water and brought the 40-year-old victim to the shoreline.

Police said the 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 client from the Hudson Valley Cerebral Palsy Association, had been reported missing moments earlier and staff was actively attempting to locate him, police said.

Thanks to the alertness of the area surveyor, the disabled man was saved, police said.