Assemblyman Skartados thanks first responders who came to the rescue of Ms. Humphreys and Schnitzel. In this Photo (L-R): Officer Masten, Officer Sotanski, Officer Geremino, Ms. Humphreys, Ms. Humphreys' dog Schnitzel, Milton Fire Chief Kneeter, Mrs. Kneeter, Assemblyman Skartados.

Thanks to the brave acts of the first responders, Ms. Humphreys and her dog, Schnitzel, are returning to good health.

Assemblyman Skartados presents citations to Officer Sontanski, Officer Masten and Officer Geremino for their bravery in responding to the accident.

Assemblyman Frank Skartados (D-Milton) recently held a special ceremony at Marlborough Town Hall to honor several brave first responders who saved the lives of a motorist and her beloved dog. Those honored with citations were Milton Fire Chief Stephen Kneeter (Milton Engine Company No. 1), Madalyn Kneeter and three town of Marlborough police officers, Nicholas Geremino, Eric Masten and Michael Sotanski.

"First responders are the true heroes of our communities," Assemblyman Skartados said. "Day in and day out they are making tough calls, putting their lives on the line and offering assistance in often terrible situations. It's important that we take a moment to say 'thank you.'"

On July 14, Poughkeepsie resident Dany Humphreys and her lab, Schnitzel, were in grave danger when their car was involved in an accident and caught on fire on Route 9W. Luckily, Milton Fire Chief Stephen Kneeter was driving behind her. He was able to get to the car quickly and pull Ms. Humphreys, as well as her dog, to safety. This quick action was essential, as the car was engulfed in flames in mere minutes.

Mr. Kneeter's wife, Madalyn, stayed with Ms. Humphreys in an ambulance until it left for the hospital, keeping her calm. Meanwhile, three Marlborough police officers who responded to the scene, Nicholas Geremino, Eric Masten and Michael Sotanksi, ensured medical assistance was obtained for both Ms. Humphreys and Schnitzel.

As Ms. Humphreys was recovering from her injures at the St. Francis Trauma Center in Poughkeepsie, Officer Geremino transported Schnitzel to Flannery Animal Hospital in New Windsor and stayed with him until family arrived. That transport saved the dog's life. Schnitzel, who received serious injuries in the crash, would spend the next four days at this animal hospital receiving emergency care. Schnitzel ultimately would be transferred to the Animal Specialty Hospital in Yonkers for surgery. Skartados noted that generous contributions from the community helped to defray the cost. Today, Ms. Humphreys and Schnitzel are returning to good health, thanks to these first responders.

"The bravery and compassion shown by these local heroes is astounding," Assemblyman Skartados said. "Without the quick decisions they made, we could be talking about a tragedy instead of a successful rescue. Plus, I have to say, the way they went above and beyond to save a beloved pet's life is remarkable."

Assemblyman Skartados loves animals and cares for many on his small farm. He has also authored legislation, Rosie's Law (A.7159), which if approved would allow specially trained courtroom dogs to comfort children and those with disabilities as they testify in court.