Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:Monday, November 15, 1999

Release #448-99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/ Edward Skyler (212) 788-2958
Marilyn Mode (DCPI) (212) 374-6700


MAYOR GIULIANI HONORS HERO COPS WHO SAVED TWO PEOPLE FROM DROWNING IN THE EAST RIVER

Mayor Congratulates Good Samaritan Who Spotted Drowning Woman

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Police Commissioner Howard Safir today honored NYPD Detectives Donald Brown and Gregg Gerson for saving two people from drowning in the East River last week. The two Detectives received Mayoral Citations for their heroism at the City Hall ceremony. The Mayor also congratulated civilian Peter Frustagli, the Good Samaritan who first spotted a woman drowning.

"Detectives Brown and Gerson not only demonstrated bravery and courageousness during this daring rescue, but also showed how well they work as a team," Mayor Giuliani said. "Not only are they model Police Officers, but their work benefiting the youth of Staten Island goes well beyond the call of duty and shows tremendous character."

Police Commissioner Howard Safir said, "These two Detectives did not hesitate when they saw a deadly situation unfolding. With quick thinking and a good measure of ingenuity, they saved two lives, while putting themselves in considerable danger in the process. We are lucky to have them among our ranks."

Detectives Brown and Gerson, who are members of the Staten Island Warrant Squad, were driving south on the FDR Drive, returning from the Bronx detention center, when they spotted a man, Peter Frustagli, strip off his clothes and jump into the East River. They saw the man flailing as he tried to rescue a drowning woman, Danuta Kepinski, who had jumped in the water one minute earlier in an apparent suicide attempt.

Detective Brown quickly removed his belt and bulletproof vest, and dove into the water, while Detective Gerson radioed the NYPD Harbor Patrol, and turned a garden hose and a jumper cable into a lifeline. Detective Brown swam out to the two victims and, while fighting strong currents and frigid waters, used the line to keep them above the water The police boat arrived within ten minutes and the three were transported to the Metropolitan Hospital Center. The woman was admitted to the ICU while the other two were treated and released.

Detective Brown, age 36, is a nine-year veteran of the Police Department. The Staten Island resident has received fifteen different medals and commendations throughout his career. Detective Brown, age 30, is also a Staten Island resident and has received eleven medals and commendations, and is an eight-year veteran of the NYPD. They both have over approximately one thousand arrests to their credit.

The two Detectives have also coordinated community service efforts reaching Staten Island children for the past several years. They host annual Christmas parties for children of Staten Island housing developments, run crime prevention workshops at area schools, and arrange for children to take bus trips to Manhattan cultural events.

www.ci.nyc.ny.us


Go to Press Releases | Giuliani Archives | Mayor's Office | NYC.gov Home Page
Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Statement | Site Map