A dramatic Christmas Day rescue unfolded in Patchogue when an eight-year-old boy fell through the ice on a partially frozen pond, prompting a swift and creative response from Suffolk County Police.
A Treacherous Shortcut on Christmas Day
On the afternoon of December 25, third-grader Tayvion attempted to take a shortcut back to his apartment. Believing the ice on a local pond to be solid, he ventured out, only to plunge into chest-deep, frigid water. The boy was left clinging to rapidly breaking ice, unable to pull himself out in the treacherous conditions.
Tayvion began shouting for help, alerting neighbours who quickly called 911. Three officers from the Suffolk County Police Department—James Rizzo, Andrew Tirelli, and Michael Santillo—were nearby and rushed to the scene. Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina later stated the icy conditions made it nearly impossible for the child to escape on his own.
The Daring Ice Rescue Operation
The officers estimated Tayvion had been trapped in the freezing water for several minutes before they could reach him. Their initial attempt involved tying a life preserver to a tow rope to create a makeshift rescue device. However, when they threw it to him, the shivering boy cried out, "I can't!", unable to secure a grip.
With time critical, Sergeant Michael Santillo made the decision to go onto the ice himself. "When I got to him, I actually fell through the ice, and I was able to stand," Santillo recounted at a press conference on January 3. "So I just grabbed him and I started making my way to shore." The officer's direct action successfully extracted Tayvion from the dangerous situation.
Recovery, Recognition, and a Vital Warning
Once back on land, Tayvion was cold and wet but miraculously uninjured. He was taken to hospital for monitoring as a precaution but was soon released to enjoy the remainder of his Christmas. The incident had a profoundly happy ending, described by Commissioner Catalina as a "Christmas miracle."
On January 2, the responding officers were honoured for their heroic efforts. Tayvion was also present to thank them personally and issued a crucial warning to other children: "Don't walk on the ice!" Sergeant Santillo, reflecting on the thanks, humbly noted, "It's nice. But I don't do it for 'Thank Yous.' It's our job."
This incident underscores the severe dangers of frozen waterways. According to figures cited by Cottleville Fire and Rescue, approximately 250 Americans die each year from falling through ice. The shock of cold water can lead to rapid hypothermia, causing loss of dexterity and motor function within minutes, making swift rescue essential.
