Tarrytown fire crew saves distressed swimmers during Fourth of July fireworks show

Capt. William Logan knows about being prepared for emergencies. He has been with the Tarrytown Fire Department for multiple decades. During the Fourth of July fireworks show this year, that preparedness really paid off.

Melanie Palmer

Jul 5, 2024, 9:22 PM

Updated 154 days ago

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A reminder about the dangers of being on the water after a swift rescue by the Tarrytown Fire Department. It all unfolded during the fourth of July fireworks show Thursday night.
"It doesn't happen a lot but when it does, we are ready," says Capt. William Logan, with the Tarrytown Fire Department.
Capt. William Logan knows about being prepared for emergencies. He has been with the Tarrytown Fire Department for multiple decades. During the Fourth of July fireworks show this year, that preparedness really paid off.
Just as the grand finale began, Capt. Logan and his crew were alerted to two swimmers struggling in the water.
"Two people jumped off the boat intentionally to go for a swim but the current was so strong, it pulled them from their boat," says Lt. Logan Spector, with the Tarrytown Fire Department.
Lt. Logan Spector was behind the wheel of the department's rescue boat. He says they were parked by the barge where the fireworks were taking off as a precaution. The swimmers, who weren't wearing life jackets, were about 40 feet away.
"We pulled up on that side of the boat, one person was taken right of the side, pulled him right over. The second person, we threw a rope out to him, pulled him in and he climbed up himself," Lt. Spector tells News 12.
Lt. Spector says within seconds the swimmers were safe.
However, the whole ordeal is serving as a reminder for anyone who is looking to get out on the water this holiday weekend.
"When you are out there and are a seasoned boater, take these boater classes, prepare yourself and be trained on what's going on out there," says Assistant Chief Patrick Derivan with the Tarrytown Fire Department.
The fire crew is also reminding everyone to wear their life jackets.