PAPD Officer Eileen FitzgeraldGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Image courtesy of Port Authority Police DepartmentGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

An off-duty Port Authority Police (PAPD) Officer, identified as Eileen Fitzgerald, performed a daring rescue yesterday afternoon at Astoria ParkGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

At approximately 1:30 PM on Tuesday, March 17th, Officer Fitzgerald was running at Astoria Park, along the intersection of Shore BlvdGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. and 20th AveGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028., when she noticed a crowd gathered and looking down towards the East RiverGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. When Officer Fitzgerald ran over to the location, she noticed a distressed individual in the water and immediately asked a civilian to call 911Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Despite strong currents, the officer climbed the rocks and coaxed the individual back to safety, with the additional help of an unnamed civilianGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Soon after, the 114th Precinct then arrived and were able to transport the victim to a nearby hospital for further evaluationGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Give Me Astoria would like to thank Officer Fitzgerald for her bravery and her serviceGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. We would also like to take a moment to address all healthcare workers, first-responders, emergency personnel, and those in the service, hospitality, and retail industries who are working tirelessly to get us through this trying time: THANK YOUGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.