(The following report by Steve Ritea appeared on the NewsDay.Com website on November 29.)
Praising the heroism of two off-duty first responders who “jumped into action” and risked their own lives, the head of the MTA credited the couple and a quick-thinking civilian yesterday for saving a Queens woman from certain death at a Mineola grade crossing earlier this month.
Franklin Square Fire Chief Anthony LoCicero and his wife Randi, a New York City police officer, were singled out along with Commack resident Jennifer Freiermuth.
“It is an honor to present you three heroes with these three tokens of our recognition,” Metropolitan Transportation Authority chief Elliot Sander said, giving plaques and certificates to the trio at a board meeting in Manhattan.
Freiermuth said she called 911 and flagged the couple down inside their vehicle when she noticed a car stuck on the tracks at the Roslyn Road grade crossing on Nov. 8.
A Floral Park woman, 63, had turned onto the tracks, thinking she was driving onto a street.
Within what Anthony LoCicero said was just nine seconds, they radioed for help, ran to the tracks and pulled the woman from her Buick just before it was demolished by an oncoming westbound train – the 4:46 p.m. from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station.
“If they weren’t there, I don’t know what would have happened,” Freiermuth said.
The LoCiceros, who have been invited to ceremonies honoring them at Islanders and Knicks games, said they’re a bit taken aback by all the attention.
“I’m a low-key person,” Anthony LoCicero said. “I really don’t like to be in the spotlight.”
“It’s overwhelming,” his wife added.
Freiermuth said the LoCiceros deserve the attention. She added that she’s surprised – and a bit disheartened – that no one else there that night made efforts to get help for the woman on the tracks.
“I don’t feel like a hero,” she said. “I feel like that’s something anyone should have done.”
The car’s license plate is registered to Patricia Rech, 63, of Floral Park. She has not been available for comment since the incident and efforts to reach her yesterday were not successful.