By Dan Murphy
For those of us who live on the Northern Westchester-Putnam border, Lake Mahopac is a landmark that welcomes all into Mahopac’s business district and to Putnam County.
But on Monday, March 9, many were praying for a person who decided to drive their Jeep across the lake, during a warm March day. At 531PM, Carmel Police were responding to a child who was struck by a car while riding a bicycle near the intersection of Route 6 and Route 6N.
At 545PM, the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services 911 and the Carmel Police Department received multiple calls reporting a vehicle on the ice on Lake Mahopac that eventually broke through, causing the vehicle to submerge near 228 East Lake Blvd.
Once the dive teams arrived, the rescue operation immediately began to locate the submerged vehicle and gain access to the victim. The victim was removed from the vehicle and transported for medical treatment.
The sole occupant/driver of the vehicle, later determined to be a 55-year-old female from Somers, was removed unresponsive by rescue divers. Emergency life-saving measures were performed by the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department and Carmel EMS units en route to Putnam Hospital Center, where the female regained a pulse. The female later died at the hospital.
Special mention to MFVFD firefighter and rescue diver Aaron Wisotsky, who, at great risk to himself and without any rescue gear, rowed across freezing waters to arrive first on scene, putting himself in harm’s way to (once again) render aid.
Mutual Aid was provided to the Mahopac Falls FD Dive Team from the Yorktown dive team, Croton Falls FD, and Somers FD.
The woman’s name has not been released, but those who knew her prayed for her family, with some identifying her as a retired law enforcement officer.
“She was highly respected and much loved and had a family and children who loved her deeply.”
“This woman was an amazing human being. Her personality and humor cast by a life of service. Fearless and compassionate. Stepping up to protect those who could not protect themselves, making a difference in someone else’s life every day. If you have never walked in the shoes of the first line of defense in your cities, you couldn’t understand the visions that disrupt your mind on a daily basis, long after the crisis has passed. She held the hands of many victims in society, witnessing the worst of humanity. My heart hurts for her family and those who knew and loved her. May you always know that she was a hero. Through this action choosing you above herself. May she have found the peace her heart and mind longed for in her rise on Angel’s Wings. Godspeed, sister.”
The other incident, which occurred less than 30 minutes before and was less than ½ mile away, was also serious. “On Monday, March 9th at 5:32 pm, Putnam County 911 advised Carmel Police of a bicyclist struck on South Lake Boulevard (State Route 6N) in the vicinity of Mahopac Chamber Park. Carmel PD K9 Unit PO DeSantola arrived on scene within 30 seconds, finding an 11-year-old male Mahopac resident in the roadway, conscious but bleeding with injuries to the face and head. CPD units were assisted by an off-duty EMT, an off-duty nurse, and Putnam County Sheriffs’ Deputies. Out of precaution, a medevac helicopter was put on standby. Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department and EMS, along with Carmel EMS, responded and transported the child to Westchester Medical Center. Carmel PD, PCSO, Yorktown PD, and Westchester County PD assisted Carmel EMS with an escort on local roads and the Taconic Parkway to the medical center. The child is reported to be in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation determined that the driver who struck the bicyclist, a 50-year-old male resident of Kent, NY, was not at fault and will not face charges at this time. Carmel Police Detectives continue the investigation.”
