Five employees of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority are being celebrated for their heroic actions on April 6 when they rescued a 3-year-old boy who was found straddling an electrified third rail near Tarrytown, New York. Locomotive Engineer William Kennedy spotted the child on the northbound track and sent an emergency call out to all trains in the area.
Northbound conductor Shawn Loughran slowed down his train as he approached the child, and Assistant Conductor Marcus Higgins leaped down the tracks to scoop up the young child before any harm could come to him. The crew then safely transported the child to Tarrytown Station where they were met by MTAPD officers and Tarrytown EMS to ensure the child’s safety.
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The boy’s mother and sister, who had been frantically searching for him, were reunited with him at the station. The boy’s mother revealed that he was autistic and nonverbal. The five MTA employees involved in the rescue were awarded commendations for their bravery and quick thinking.
“These fine team members embodied the qualities we want our employees to exhibit while on duty, alert, responsive, knowledgeable and helpful,” said Metro-North Railroad President and Interim LIRR President Catherine Rinaldi.
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“With the bravery and calm comportment of superheroes, they averted a horrific outcome and saw to it that this little boy was not going to become a statistic. We salute their efforts and compassion and heartily thank them for their dedication to the people we serve.”