Nassau Residents Honored For Saving Woman From Car Sinking In Pool

GLEN COVE, NY — A Glen Cove man was awarded for his act of heroism by elected officials this week.

According to 2019 news reports, Emanuel "Manny" Grella was driving home when he heard "intense" screams for help, and ran to help, along with Christian Floro who was in his Glen Cove home nearby and witnessed a car drive into his neighbor's backyard pool.

The two discovered a 73-year-old was trapped in her car, after accidentally driving into the pool after an accident. The men were able to pull her out through the backseat of the car, Glen Cove Police Detective Lieutenant John Nagle told the LI Herald in 2019.

The September 2019 rescued happened on Rellim Drive and the driver escaped with only minor injuries.

Glen Cove City Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck awarded Grella a certificate of recognition on Wednesday night.

"Last night we recognized and awarded our very own Emanuel (Manny) Grella for his bravery in saving a woman's life. We are so proud of Manny — always coming to the rescue in so many ways," she wrote.

Grella was also the recipient of the New York State Liberty Medal, awarded by Senator Jim Gaughran.

"The Liberty Medal is awarded in unique circumstances for heroism. Manny jumped in to an unsafe situation without thought of his own safety to save a woman whose car had plunged into a pool," Glen Cove Councilmember Marsha Silverman wrote.

Floro received the Liberty Medal in 2020.

Panzenbeck said that Grella helped save the driver's life "seconds before the vehicle was entirely submerged in water."