MARGATE – Public safety took center stage at the July 18 Board of Commissioners meeting as the city commended two officers of the Police Department and swore-in a new firefighter.
Officer James Costa and Communication Officer Kelly Ferrier were presented with commendations for their quick actions in saving the life of a 3-year-old child who was pulled from a swimming pool during a backyard party on Father’s Day.
When the 911 call came into the dispatch center, Ferrier coached the child’s aunt, who had some limited training in delivering CPR, on doing chest compressions, while simultaneously alerting other units to respond to the scene.
From left, Dispatcher Kelly Ferrier and Police Officer James Costa are commended for their life-saving actions.The first police officer on the scene was Patrol Officer Jim Costa who took over CPR and was able to successfully revive the child. Emergency medical technicians from the Margate City Fire Department transported the child to the hospital where he fully recovered.
Police Chief Matthew Hankinson said that if it were not for their quick actions and calm professionalism, the outcome could have been devastating.
The child’s father, Justin Leonard of Huntington Valley, Pa., arranged for a catered luncheon July 4 with celebrity Chef Robert Irvine, whose foundation supports military and first responders. Leonard said the Irvine Foundation, where he is chief operating officer, was so grateful for their heroic efforts, that they wanted to treat all of Margate’s first responders to thank them for their 24-7-365 service to the community.
Officials noted that the city’s response time to emergencies is the lowest in the area.
Commissioner of Public Safety Cathy Horn also swore in Firefighter Steven Hickey. Hickey has been assigned to Platoon 4 under the direction of Capt. Anthony Tabasso, and Hickey’s brother, Lt. Chris Maher.
Hickey started working in the department in May. He is a graduate of Mainland High School, completed firefighter training at the Atlantic County Firefighter Academy in 2007, and is a certified EMT. He served in Afghanistan as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps and is the first veteran hired in Margate in decades, Fire Chief Dan Adams said.
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