Smithtown, NY - March 24, 2014 - At the March meeting of the Legislature, Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta introduced Matthew Monahan of Commack to the audience as not only a Good Samaritan, but also a hero who saved the life of a young woman trapped in an overturned car that was on fire. Mr. Monahan was on his way home from work when he saw the accident and pulled over to help. He was assisted by Joseph Moscato of Centereach, who had a fire extinguisher, and was able to hold off the flames while Mr. Monahan pulled the young woman to safety. They were aided by an unidentified man who held the door open for Monahan while he worked to free the woman. She is recovering at Stony Brook University, where Matthew happens to be an emergency room nursing assistant.
Legislator Trotta said, “It’s an honor to meet Matthew after seeing the coverage in the news and watching the video of the rescue. It was her lucky day since Matthew is a volunteer fireman from the Commack Fire Department and has received training to respond to these types of emergencies.” Matthew Monahan and Joseph Moscato received a standing ovation from the Legislators and the audience, including the girl’s father.
Pictured at the ceremony at the Legislature are from left to right: Suffolk County Legislator John M. Kennedy, Jr., Matthew Monahan and Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta.
