A group of retired NYPD officers turned a Sunday volunteer event into a life-saving mission by rescuing a woman and her 5-month-old baby from the chilly waters of the East River.
As reported by The New York Post, the incident unfolded just before noon at Hermon Macneil Park in College Point during a Halloween parade where the former cops were volunteering. The 30-year-old woman walked straight into the water while holding the infant, prompting immediate action from the ex-officers.
Kevin O’Donnell, a retired officer who once led the Community Affairs Office at the 109th Precinct in Queens, recalled the urgency of the moment. “We heard a lot of screaming, and somebody yelled, ‘You guys gotta get over there!’” he told The Post, painting a picture of chaos that demanded a swift response.
Immediate Action in a Dire Situation
O’Donnell and his fellow retired officer, Paul Pinsdorf, who served 20 years on the force, didn’t hesitate as they saw the woman wade deeper with the baby. By the time they reached the shore, she was chest-deep in the water, a perilous spot for both her and the child.
Pinsdorf took decisive action, shedding his belongings to dive in after them. “I go, ‘Kevin, take my stuff — I gotta go in there,’” he recounted, showing the instinct of a man who couldn’t stand by while lives hung in the balance.
The situation was grim as Pinsdorf noticed the baby’s head nearly submerged. He pushed through the cold water, determined to bring them back to safety despite the challenges ahead.
Struggle Against Resistance and Elements
Reaching the woman wasn’t the end of the fight for Pinsdorf, as she resisted his efforts to pull her out. “She resisted me, I had to go all the way out there and pull her in,” he said, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of the rescue.
O’Donnell watched as his friend battled the water, which had risen to neck level for both the woman and the infant. He described how Pinsdorf eventually approached from behind, securing them both in a grip that refused to let go.
The struggle continued even as they neared the shore, with O’Donnell noting a significant language barrier and the woman causing a commotion. It’s a reminder that not every crisis fits a neat narrative; sometimes, understanding the why comes second to saving the who.
Team Effort and First Responders’ Role
Once Pinsdorf managed to drag the woman and baby closer to land, the effort became a team endeavor. EMS and active NYPD officers arrived, ensuring the pair was fully extracted from the water and given immediate care.
The woman was transported to North Shore University Hospital, while the infant was taken to New York Presbyterian for evaluation. Details about their relationship or the woman’s intentions remain unclear, leaving questions that authorities will need to untangle.
O’Donnell didn’t hold back praise for his friend, calling Pinsdorf a hero for his actions. It’s hard to argue with that assessment when you consider the raw courage it took to plunge into cold, deep water with no guarantee of success.
Reflecting on a Day of Valor
Pinsdorf himself kept his reflection simple and grounded, saying, “I’m happy, I did a good thing today.” That understated pride speaks volumes about the kind of character forged in years of service, where duty doesn’t retire even if the badge does.
This incident at Hermon Macneil Park isn’t just a story of individual bravery; it’s a nod to the enduring instinct of those who’ve sworn to protect, even after hanging up their uniforms. In a culture often quick to critique law enforcement, here’s a moment to recognize the good that persists.
While the reasons behind the woman’s actions remain unknown, the outcome is what matters most: a mother and child safe thanks to men who refused to look the other way. Let’s hope the support continues for this family, whatever challenges led to that desperate walk into the river.
