By Phil Corso
Several Good Samaritans were formally thanked and praised last week when City Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) presented proclamations to three Consolidated Edison workers for rescuing an Auburndale crime victim last January.
Con Ed’s John Kane, Michael Santeramo and John McDonnell received recognition at a small ceremony in City Hall March 28 when Halloran publicly thanked them for their efforts.
“These three heroes showed courage in helping a fellow New Yorker in her time of need,” said Halloran. “I thank them for their bravery.”
The three mechanics were joined by backhoe operator Anthony Farmighetti Jan. 25 at the corner of 201st Street and 42nd Avenue, where they had worked all day tearing up the street to repair a gas leak when they heard a woman’s scream about 8 p.m.
According to Santeramo, who lives on Long Island, he and Farmighetti were the first to run toward the noise with the others joining behind them.
The workers said they saw a 6-foot black man with a gun assaulting a woman in her 20s while trying to steal her purse.
“We ran right there, you know,” said McDonnell in the statement. “You hear something like that happen and you just run right there. You just go right into mode, you want to help somebody.”
After chasing the suspect for about 60 feet, the man turned around and pointed his gun at the crew, threatening to shoot before running off. Two workers chased the suspect through a neighborhood yard, Con Ed said, but could not catch him.
No arrests have been reported from the incident.
Santeramo said they immediately called the police and stayed with the victim until the authorities arrived. They returned to work after police had cleared the scene.
“She was very grateful that we helped her out and she was very thankful that we stopped the altercation,” Kane said in a statement.
Con Ed spokesman Alfonso Quiroz said in January that he was working with Borough President Helen Marshall’s office to have the men’s acts recognized.
Three months later, they were decorated as heroes when Halloran presented them with proclamations at City Hall.
“Mr. Kane, Mr. McDonnell and Mr. Santeramo epitomize what it means to be a New Yorker,” Halloran said.
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
