3 Marlboro Teens Save Man's Life At Middlesex County Fair

MARLBORO, NJ — These three young men were only asked to help direct traffic at the Middlesex County Fair, which just wrapped up Sunday. Instead, they likely helped save a man's life.

Three Marlboro Township Police Explorers, two of whom are only 14 years old, helped a cook who was having a seizure at the fair last Thursday, Aug. 10.

Like many towns, Marlboro's police explorer program is open to Township youth between the ages of 14 and 21 who want to learn more about policing. On Aug. 10, the Explorers were asked to help direct traffic and parking cars at the Middlesex County fairgrounds in East Brunswick.

Explorer Chief Dennis Stack, who is 20 years old and also a Class-2 Officer in Bradley Beach, Explorer Marc Singer, 14, and Explorer Nicholas Bilinski, also 14, strolled through the fairgrounds. Suddenly, they were waved down; a man working as a cook at a food stand had collapsed to the ground. He was having seizures. While many people watched in horror, the boys' training kicked in immediately: Stack ran over, turned the man on his side, and began administering first aid. Explorers Singer and Bilinski helped get first aid supplies and secured the scene. The three young men assisted the man until the East Brunswick Police and EMS personnel arrived on scene. The two younger boys also showed EMS and police where to find the man in the crowded fair.

A woman, Lisa Savarese, who just recently graduated from nursing school and received her license, also helped. It was Savarese who initially recognized the man was having a seizure, and her quick thinking enabled another cook to catch the man before he fell backwards, which could have been dangerous as he was working with hot oil. She also turned the man on his side, loosened his belt and shoes and administered first aid, witnesses told Patch.

All the heroic Good Samaritans were praised.

“While others were on their phone filming, the Explorers did what needed to be done," said Marlboro Patrolman Callen Figarola, who helps train the Explorers. "In this instance, their presence may have saved a life."

"These young men were not only in the right place at the right time, but they were trained, knew what to do, and stepped in without hesitation," said Marlboro Township Mayor Jon Hornik.

On July 27, eleven Marlboro Explorers graduated from the NJ State Law Enforcement Explorer Academy, held for one week on the grounds of Georgian Court University. Marlboro Explorer Post received the second
greatest number of awards in the state.

The award recipients are:

1st Place Physical Training (Males): Steven Russo
1st Place Physical Training (Females): Mya Cherbini
3rd Place Academic Achievement: Mya Cherbini
1st Place Leadership Award: Steven Russo (First time in Academy history the award was given
to a first-year recruit)
3rd Place Leadership Award: Mya Cherbini
1st Place Burglary in Progress: Zack Sperling and Derek Ball
2nd Place Burglary in Progress: Dylan Ely and Noah Price
2nd Place Narcotics Investigation: Dylan Ely and Noah Price
3rd Place Motor Vehicle Stops: Zack Sperling and Derek Ball
3rd Place Arrest Search & Seizure: Zack Sperling and Derek Ball

“When you next see the Marlboro Police Explorers at an event, it would mean a lot if you let them know that their service is appreciated. They are role models and commendable citizens. It is my hope that their career path leads them to Marlboro as police officers," said Mayor Hornik.

The Marlboro Police Explorers are volunteers. There are currently 37 members in the Post. Two additional members will be joining this month marking the highest number of explorers since its inception in 1982. The Explorers range in age from 14 to 21 with an average age of 16. For more about the Police Explorer Post email Lt. Levy at slevy@marlboropd.org