MTA honors a Levittown and Seaford Resident
Yesterday, May 13, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Police Department recognized officers and civilians for heroic actions, including two residents from Levittown and Seaford.
At the 10th Annual MTA Police Department Awards Ceremony at New York University; Long Island Rail Road passengers Cliff Archer and Deborah Wygand were awarded Chief of Police Civilian Commendations.
On January 29, 2007, Clifford Archer, 51, a Levittown volunteer firefighter and EMT, and Deborah Wygand, 50, a retired nurse of Seaford, aided a male passenger who had a heart attack as their Babylon Branch morning rush-hour train was approaching Penn Station. They performed CPR, regaining the pulse and breathing of a stricken passenger just before reaching the station.
Also, at the Ceremony, the MTA Police Department recognized 64 MTA Police Officers for outstanding performance in the line of duty and a Metro-North Railroad foreman.
On the Long Island Rails, a Medal of Merit was presented to Officer Michael Arcati for outstanding personal bravery in apprehending a robbery suspect in Brooklyn at the LIRR East New York Station. Officer Arcati identified a suspect and chased him on foot. While Officer Arcati was apprehending the suspect, the suspect tried to remove a gun from his waistband, but Officer Arcati managed to take the suspect into custody and recover the stolen property. An Agency President Award was given to Lt. Francis P. Zaino of the Long Island Rail Road division.
“We are grateful for the work that MTA Police Officers do to keep our railroad customers and the general public safe and secure,” said Elliot G. Sander, MTA Executive Director and CEO. “These awards are a small way for the MTA to recognize the commitment, energy and bravery of those who put themselves in harm’s way every day.”
