Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, Councilmen Anthony Manetta and Terry McSweeney and Town Clerk Gerry Compitello recently presented Larry Hickam with the Town of Babylon Heroism Award. Hickam, a Vietnam veteran and Deer Park resident, saved a man’s life when his wheelchair became stuck in a railroad crossing in the path of an oncoming train. Deer Park School District Superintendent Eva Demyen and Assistant School Transportation Supervisor Pat Shea were also in attendance.
Schaffer commended Hickam for his bravery and decision to put himself in danger to help someone else. Martinez echoed that, and added that he was there for a reason that day.
Hickam, who was on his way to complete his afternoon shift, claims that he took a slightly different route to the bus depot when he saw the man in danger. After flagging someone else down to assist him, Hickam freed the wheelchair tire that was jammed in the track and lifted him to safety.
The Town of Babylon Heroism Award is the highest honor given by the Town.
Photo (left to right): Rich Schaffer; Gerry Compitello; Larry Hickam; Eva Demyen; Pat Shea; Anthony Manetta; Terry McSweeney; Tony Martinez.