Nesconset, NY — An off-duty New York City firefighter and his son are being praised for their quick thinking after rescuing two people who fell through the ice on Gibbs Pond Sunday afternoon.
According to the New York City Fire Department, Lt. John Fils-Aine and his son, Bradley, were nearby when they saw the civilians struggling in the freezing water. Without hesitation, the pair rushed to help and were able to pull both victims to safety before first responders arrived.
“While off duty, Lt. Fils-Aine and his son acted without hesitation to save lives,” the FDNY said in a statement posted on social media. “Because of their quick actions, the civilians were rescued from the water, treated for hypothermia, and taken to a local hospital.”
The victims’ conditions have not been publicly released, but officials said both are expected to recover.
The department reminded residents to stay off frozen bodies of water, warning that ice thickness can be deceptive even during long cold spells.
Lt. Fils-Aine, a veteran member of the FDNY, was not injured during the rescue.