Commack, NY - August 15, 2014 - Two Suffolk County police officers and a Centereach good Samaritan who rescued a trapped, 23-year-old Holtsville woman from her burning Ford Focus after a November 21, 2013 crash will be honored by the Suffolk County Legislature’s Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory at an awards reception following the Suffolk Community College Foundation’s 31st Annual Golf Classic honoring Noel DiGerolamo, President of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association (PBA). The reception and awards ceremony will be Monday, August 25 at the Hamlet Golf and Country Club in Commack after completion of the golf classic.
Suffolk County Fourth Precinct Police Officers David Vlacich and Bryan Boudreaux responding to a call about a multi-vehicle car crash and fire at Route 25 and Moriches Rd. in Lake Grove arrived to find 23-year-old Stephanie McNamee unconscious and trapped in her burning, blue Ford Focus. A good Samaritan, David Ayala, 37, arrived moments before the police and was attempting to help the victim.
Working together, while the car continued to burn and potentially explode, the three freed the victim and carried her to safety. The victim recovered from her injuries.
“Officers Vlacich, Boudreaux and good Samaritan David Ayala will be commended for their quick and heroic actions by entering a burning vehicle and rescuing a trapped and unconscious victim,” said Suffolk County Community College president Dr. Shaun L. McKay. It is an honor to welcome them to our post event reception and celebration.”
“It is my pleasure to join President McKay in recognizing Suffolk County Police Officers Vlacich and Boudreaux for their heroism. Suffolk County is truly fortunate to have such members on our fine police force,” said Presiding Officer Gregory.
The proceeds from the Golf Classic will support needs-based and merit-based scholarships, emergency student loans and academic enrichment programs for Suffolk County Community College students. The Suffolk Community College Foundation distributed more than $500,000 in scholarships to deserving students last year.
Those wishing to attend the post golf classic reception and awards ceremony may do so by buying tickets online at: sunysuffolk.edu/golf or call the Suffolk Community College Foundation office at 631-451-4458.
Pictured: Suffolk County Police Officer David Vlacich