Town of Southampton
116 HAMPTON ROAD
SOUTHAMPTON, NEW YORK 11968
T O W N C O U N C I L
R I C K M A R T E L, C O U N C I L M A N
Telephone: (631) 287-5745
Fax: (631) 287-4507
rmartel@southamptontownny.gov
For Immediate Release:
DATE: Thursday, October 7th, 2021
CONTACT: Councilman Rick Martel
May Zegarelli, Legislative Aide
PHONE: (631) 287-5745
Town Board members honored four individuals on October 6th, 2021 for aiding fellow residents in need during the month of August. The four individuals, Bay Constable Fraser, Dr. Seth Korbin, Zachary Hafemeister and William Mendel were awarded proclamations for their heroic deeds and quick reactions to help people in distress. “It is remarkable to hear
the stories of how these four local heroes saved residents lives” said Councilman Martel. “Their stories highlight the importance of water safety and medical training”.
Chris Fraser, a Town of Southampton Bay Constable received a radio call for a victim who had been struck by a boat propeller and he was the first one to arrive on the scene. Bay Constable Fraser immediately applied tourniquets to the victim’s legs which slowed down their blood loss. His medical training helped him provide immediate medical care which saved the victim from further blood loss.
Dr Korbin was in the water near Road K, when he saw people waving to him and he thought it was due to sharks. He noticed it was due to distressed swimmers and he
immediately jumped to assist the mother and son to safety. On the same weekend and location, two young boys Zachary Hafemeister and William Mendel saw two distressed swimmers and assisted them to the shore with their boogie boards.
This year at town beaches with lifeguards, there have been 100 saves from rip currents or distressed summers, which highlights that beginner or experienced swimmers can face rough waters. For more information on water safety, please go to our website at www.southamptontownny.gov.