Nassau Highway Worker Meets 2 Teens He Saved From Drowning

HICKSVILLE, NY — Two teens who nearly drowned in the Great South Bay were recently reunited with their rescuer, a Town of Oyster Bay highway employee from Hicksville.

On July 12, Christopher Madden spotted 17-year-old Vincent LaGrega and his brother Joseph struggling in the strong currents of the Great South Bay when he sprung to action and ultimately saved their lives.

The LaGrega family was boating when they tried to anchor near the shoreline in the choppy waters of the Great South Bay. Vincent LaGrega jumped into the water to try and swim ashore, but underestimated the challenging conditions of the water. Struggling, he drifted further away from the boat and became in danger of drowning. Joseph LaGrega jumped into the water to save him, but soon both became weak, pummeled by waves.

Madden spotted the brothers and jumped onto a jet ski to rescue the brothers, who by that point were nearly drowning. Madden brought them back to the family's boat, and the family credited him with saving their lives.

Madden was publicly recognized Tuesday for his lifesaving efforts by town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Lou Imbroto, Councilwoman Vicki Walsh and Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato. Madden also met with the brothers at the ceremony.

"Our community takes great pride in recognizing the amazing actions of Christopher Madden, who displayed heroism during a time of crisis," Saladino said. "Christopher’s quick thinking and courageous actions saved these teenagers lives and had he not responded as he did, the outcome would have been tragically different. Christopher Madden is not only a Good Samaritan, but an exemplary Town of Oyster Bay employee. We commend him for this lifesaving rescue."