Staten Island – A group of Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) police officers received the MTA Heroes award this week for a heart‑warming rescue that underscores the importance of community‑focused public safety. The officers—Sgt. Joseph Amato, Officers John Lombardo, Salvatore DiStefano, Gregory Beach, and David Ghee‑zuh—were on patrol near the Jefferson Avenue Staten Island Railway station when they responded to a call about a child who had become separated from his family.

Quick response, but a language challenge

When the officers arrived, they quickly found the 10‑year‑old boy, but the child spoke only Mandarin, leaving the officers unable to determine his address or where his family lived. Rather than abandon the effort, the team sought a solution that would bridge the communication gap.

Collaboration with NYPD

The officers reached out to NYPD Officer Fang Jeen Lin, who is fluent in Mandarin. Officer Lin called the child, spoke with him in his native language, and gathered vital details about his home and family members. With that information, the MTA team was able to locate the boy’s residence and drive him back safely.

Reunion and recognition

The child was reunited with his relieved parents, turning what could have been a frightening ordeal into a joyful family moment. In recognition of their swift action, teamwork, and dedication to public safety, the officers were honored as this week’s MTA Heroes, a program that highlights exemplary service by transit police.

Community leaders praised the officers for their compassion and resourcefulness, noting that the incident reflects the broader commitment of transit and police personnel to protect the most vulnerable citizens, especially children. The successful resolution also demonstrates the value of inter‑agency cooperation, as the partnership between MTA Police and NYPD proved essential in overcoming the language barrier.

Residents of Staten Island expressed gratitude for the officers’ efforts, sharing messages of thanks on social media and emphasizing how such acts reinforce confidence in local public‑safety agencies. The MTA Heroes program, which annually acknowledges officers who go above and beyond the call of duty, continues to inspire confidence in the transit system’s safety protocols.

As the city moves forward, officials encourage families to stay vigilant in crowded transit areas and to report any separated children promptly. The incident serves as a reminder that a coordinated response—combining quick police action, linguistic resources, and community support—can safeguard children and strengthen neighborhood bonds.

Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.