Letter to the Editor: Neighbor Commends Dobbs Ferry Man's Heroic Act

Dear Editor,

I have been a resident for 5 years at The Landing in Dobbs Ferry and my next-door neighbors, Eric and Heather gradually became friends. Last week, I witnessed something that changed my view of Eric.

On Thursday, September 20th, a van crashed into the unit across the street. The vehicle had split the gas line, and the smell was enough to frighten anyone! Smoke was everywhere and people rushed outside realizing that something was really wrong.

The driver had passed out in his van with his foot still on the gas pedal. The tires were burning rubber. 

There I stood, helplessly frozen to a standstill by the shocking sight, and watched as my neighbor, Eric sprang into action. 
He ran to the van, helped the driver across the street to safety, went back and shut off the van’s engine thereby preventing an explosion.

Without his swift and selfless actions, this accident could have been a tragedy for more than just the driver.

The police, and firemen came quickly on the scene, and demonstrated their bravery and professionalism, as they evacuated the block and made sure that all was safe for us to return. 

I have been replaying this moment in my head, and thinking about how if the van had hit a few feet to the left, it would have gone down an embankment, flipped over and exploded. I think about the incredible smell of gasoline that quickly permeated the air.

I think about how I couldn’t move as I watched what transpired; how some neighbors got in their cars and just left; how some stayed and offered what support they could to the owner, but most of all, I think about how my neighbor Eric Anteby jumped bravely into action and knew what to do. 

When I called the woman who owns the unit, and explained what had happened, the first thing she asked was about the wellbeing of the people. She went on to say that a house can be filled with possessions, but it is the people who are irreplaceable. 

This comment gave me a renewed faith that there are still people in this world who put human lives and safety before human possessions. 

The man in the van is ok, the man doing the garden who jumped out of the way is fine, the woman who owns the house is dealing with the aftermath and my neighbor, Eric who became my friend has graduated to hero.

Sincerely, 

Gillian Crane 
52 Landing Drive, Dobbs Ferry NY