Marty Yellin is a longtime Westporter — and 84 years old.
On Sunday afternoon, shortly after the snow ended, he fell into a creek by his house.
The water was 4 feet deep, running, and cold: about 35 degrees.
Marty’s phone was wet, and did not work.
For 15 minutes he tried in vain to get out of the creek.
Luckily, after vigorous shaking of his phone, he got connected to 911.
Within 10 minutes, 4 policemen and an EMT ambulance arrived.
It took all 4 officers to pull him out of the water. His body temperature was 94 degrees.
The ambulance took him to Norwalk Hospital, where he was treated. A doctor said he would not have lasted another 15 minutes in the water.
“Your officers were very competent, comforting, and caring,” Marty wrote to Police Chief Foti Koskinas. “I wish I knew their names, so I could thank them personally.”
We don’t know their names, either. But “06880” adds our thanks to today’s Unsung Heroes.
(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. If you enjoy this weekly feature — or any other part of our hyper-local blog, please support our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
(Photo/Amy Berkin)
Good work by our emergency teams.
Thanks to our Police Officers and EMS for saving my friend. You are the best.
Marty Yellin and the WPD are Westport treasures!
Superb (w/ great photo)
Bravo. Marty definitely a good save!
Thanks to the Westport Police Dept, EMS and Marty’s cell phone for saving one of the most amazing past presidents of the Y’s Men and a beloved friend to us all. You also saved a man who sees into the past and future stars of the universe.
Marty – what a tremendously scary and dangerous experience. I’m so glad you were able to get help and that our
officers and EMS are so excellent!
SO glad that you are ok Marty – and yes, a BIG thanks to our Westport PD for saving a truly special person.