SHARE

PalPark, Leonia, Ridgefield Responders Honored For Saving Autistic Boy, 8

PALISADES PARK, N.J. -- A group of first responders received commendations Tuesday night from the Palisades Park governing body for rescuing an 8-year-old autistic boy from Overpeck Creek after he wandered off.

FROM LEFT: Leonia Police Officer John Longo, Palisades Park Firefighter Charles Stark, Palisades Park Police Lt. Matthew Finck and Sgt. Christopher Beck, Ridgefield Police Officer Daniel Berger

FROM LEFT: Leonia Police Officer John Longo, Palisades Park Firefighter Charles Stark, Palisades Park Police Lt. Matthew Finck and Sgt. Christopher Beck, Ridgefield Police Officer Daniel Berger

Photo Credit: COURTESY: Charles Stark
Joseph and mom, Angela Cassese.

Joseph and mom, Angela Cassese.

Photo Credit: COURTESY: Charles Stark

Honored with life-saving awards were Palisades Park Firefighter Charles Stark and Police Lt. Matthew Finck and Sgt. Christopher Beck, Ridgefield Police Officer Daniel Berger and Leonia Police Officer John Longo.

Joseph Cassese finally came home earlier this month -- and received a hero's welcome -- after spending several weeks in rehab following a lengthy hospital stay after the Nov. 11 incident last year.

By chance, someone in a Ridgefield Park office building saw Joseph go into the water that afternoon and quickly dialed 911.

Responders from several departments were at the spot in Overpeck Park instantly, witnesses said. The caller then led them directly to Joseph.

The responders pulled Joseph from the water and conducted CPR.

He was first taken to Holy Name Medical Center and later transported to St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center in Paterson, where he spent several weeks in ICU.

"He still needs a lot of out-patient therapy -- we're going to Holy Name for that," his mother, Angela, told Daily Voice in early February. "He had to come home with a feeding tube, so we need to get him eating again.

"But no one expected him to do this well, so we're thankful."

to follow Daily Voice Fort Lee and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE