Farmingville, NY - At the January 25 Town Board Meeting, Councilwoman Jane Bonner presented a proclamation to James John Vlacich, in recognition of his courageous actions that saved the life of his neighbor. On January 20, a serious fire engulfed a house on Manhasset Trail in Ridge. That is when Mr. Vlacich jumped into action. He entered the house, discovered his neighbor in peril and carried her outside to safety. Shortly thereafter, a Ridge Fire Department Ambulance crew arrived on the scene and transported the seriously injured woman to Stony Brook University Hospital.
Councilwoman Bonner said, “Mr. Vlacich is a true hero for bravely risking his life to save his neighbor from further harm. It is important that people like him are recognized for their heroism when faced with a life-threatening situation. We should all be as good a neighbor as he is.”
Pictured left to right are (back row) Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Councilman Kevin LaValle; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Supervisor Ed Romaine; James John Vlacich; Councilman Dan Panico; Councilman Michael Loguercio; Councilman Neil Foley and Town Clerk Donna Lent. Front row are members of the injured woman’s family (left to right) Jack Sherwood (nephew), Audrey Sherwood, (niece) and Bridget Sherwood (niece).
Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738