Rockland County Legislators took time to thank and formally recognize the efforts of eight local first responders for incredible actions that helped save lives and even aided the birth of a baby.

“Each of these honorees serves as a shining example of the definition of selflessness because they went above and beyond and in doing so, made a difference in the lives of so many,” County Legislator Aron Wieder said. “Just imagine the stress they faced as they worked, successfully, to save a woman from jumping from an overpass, or the joy they experienced while helping a father deliver his new baby. Their training and commitment truly made all the difference and I thank each of them for their efforts and professionalism. It should give all of us a good feeling to know that if we ever have to call 9-1-1, only the best will be answering and helping you.”

Each of the first responders received the Legislature’s Distinguished Service Award – the highest honor presented by the Legislature: Rockland County Sheriff’s Department 9-1-1 Dispatchers Jonathan Kleber, Damian Lennon & Eric Roemish; Village of Spring Valley Police Officers John Dziedzic, Quacy Evelyn, Sean Jordan & Elyokem Ungar; and Town of Clarkstown Police Officer Dave Mahabir.

“We honor these first responders because they are heroes and so deserving of our community’s gratitude and respect,” Rockland County Legislator Alden H. Wolfe said. “A hero acts selflessly, tapping into their strengths to support others during their time of need. In these cases, these heroes also tapped into their training and drew upon their commitment to serving others.”

Legislator Wolfe said, “On March 12, a 67-year-old man exercising at his gym had a heart attack. Thanks to Sheriff’s Dispatcher Eric Roemish, vital instructions, including how to use a defibrillator, were provided via phone to other gym patrons and the man’s life was saved. Thank you Dispatcher Roemish.”

Legislator Itamar Yeger said keeping cool and remembering your training would be challenging in many emergency situations, none more so than trying to help deliver a baby.

“Any father can tell you, when the baby decides it’s time, then it’s time and that was the situation faced by a man and his wife on July 8, but Sheriff’s Dispatcher Jonathan Kleber handled the matter like a true professional,” Legislator Yeger said. “He coached the baby’s father and mother through a successful delivery and both mother and baby were soon transported to the hospital to be checked over. Thank you Dispatcher Kleber.”

Just last week, Sheriff’s Dispatcher Damian Lennon was able to guide staff at an assisted-living facility in performing chest compressions after a male resident lost consciousness while at breakfast.

“It’s no easy feat to give life-saving instructions over the phone, but Dispatcher Lennon did so and successfully, and the man was revived and transported to the hospital,” Legislator Wolfe said. “The victim would not have gotten that extra time had it not been for the professional response by Dispatcher Lennon. Thank you Dispatcher Lennon.”

In Spring Valley, four police officers represented a true lifeline for a woman experiencing distress.

On Aug. 25, Village of Spring Valley Police Officers Sean Jordan, John Dziedzic, Elyokem Ungar and Quacy Evelyn were dispatched to an overpass/bridge on Route 59 for a report of a woman threatening to jump. The officers found a visibly distressed woman who had climbed over the railing and was telling them that she was going to jump and wanted to die.

“What a terrifying situation for the woman and for the officers sworn to protect lives,” Legislator Aron Wieder said. “Thanks to their training and their quick reaction, the woman was saved and taken to a facility for help. This woman was someone’s daughter, maybe a mother, maybe a sibling. She was important because we are all important and the officers made sure she got the help she needed that day. Thank you Officers Jordan, Dziedzic, Ungar and Evelyn.”

Legislator Earl said, “I too want to express my appreciation for the efforts of these heroic officers. They even climbed over the bridge railing  – putting their own lives at risk – to save the life of this woman. They truly went the extra mile and are so deserving of the Distinguished Service Award.”

Just weeks ago, Town of Clarkstown Police Officer Dave Mahabir was on vacation with his girlfriend, hiking the North Cascade mountains in the state of Washington when they came across another hiker who had broken her leg and was already being assisted by two nurses who were also hiking. Sunset was a few hours away and no one felt good about being on the mountain after dark. Officer Mahabir made the decision to carry the injured hiker on his back, three miles down the mountain. He and one of the nurses took turns carrying the injured woman down to safety.

“Many, if not all, who are called to police work pursue the job to be able to keep others safe and to render aid when it is needed most,” Legislator Cornell said. “Officer Mahabir certainly did both, but the actions of this officer echoed even beyond the impressive rescue itself. The hiker, Cheryl Diekkman, and her husband, sent hand-written thank-you notes and a letter to Clarkstown Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker, stating that Officer Mahabir’s action ‘was evidence that there’s still good in the world.’ I couldn’t agree more. Thank you Officer Mahabir.”