North Bellmore Boy Recognized For Saving a Life

This past June, David Collins was swimming and having fun with his friends in a pool, when he saw a lifeless boy at the bottom of it. He then dove down 10 feet and pulled the boy from the water. 

"It's all a blur," Collins said. "I just went on instinct." 

It was those instincts that allowed Collins to save the young boy's life and to receive one of the highest civilian honors.

Collins was presented with the New York State Senate Liberty Medal by Senator Charles Fuschillo, R-Merrick and Assemblyman David McDonough, R-Merrick on Friday morning. 

"I am so honored to get this award," the 12-year-old said. 

Fuschillo smiled as he handed Collins his medal.

"David's quick thinking helped save a life and prevent a tragedy," he said. "He's a true hero and it's my pleasure to present him with this much deserved honor." 

McDonough agreed.

"His quick thinking and ability to stay focused on the task at hand proved crucial in getting the help needed to prevent the disastrous loss of life." 

While in a pool with other children at a graduation party, Collins noticed another boy laying in the bottom of the pool’s deep end. While the other children thought the boy was playing, Collins immediately swam to the deep end, dove down 10 feet, pulled the lifeless boy up to the surface and alerted adults. Adults then performed CPR and the boy’s life was saved.

"I did not know the boy," Collins said. "I never saw him again after." 

Collins' parents, Susan and Gary Collins, saw when their son was holding the lifeless boy in the pool.

"It was very instinctive," Gary Collins said. "He has always been very conscious of his surroundings."

Collins' mother that said she could not be more proud of her son.

"He would like to president and now he is one step closer," Susan Collins laughed. "He is a wonderful kid and we have always been proud of him." 

After receiving his medal, David Collins took a good look at it.

"This is great," he said. "I am happy that I could help someone."