Smithtown High School East senior Bradley Fils-Aime and his father, John Fils-Aime, were recognized during the Feb. 11 Smithtown Central School District Board of Education meeting for their heroic actions during last month’s winter storm. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD
Smithtown High School East senior Bradley Fils-Aime and his father, John Fils-Aime, were recognized during the Feb. 11 Smithtown Central School District Board of Education meeting for their heroic actions during last month’s winter storm. The pair received official commendations and a standing ovation for their selfless act of courage in helping to rescue a father and son who had fallen through the ice at Gibbs Pond.
On Jan. 25, as the storm raged, Bradley heard cries for help outside his home.
“I jumped over the fence and actually saw someone in the lake,” he recalled.
Bradley immediately called for his father, who rushed to the pond, while his mother, Erlande Fils-Aime, dialed 911. According to Bradley, the father had fallen through the ice, and his 12-year-old son, attempting to save him, also ended up in the freezing water. Smithtown park rangers and members of the Nesconset Volunteer Fire Department quickly responded. Following their instructions, the victims crawled across the ice until rescuers were able to pull them to safety. Both were transported to a local hospital and treated for hypothermia.
Service and bravery run in the Fils-Aime family. John is a lieutenant with the FDNY, and Bradley serves as a lifeguard.
“My first instinct was just to help,” Bradley said. “Being a lifeguard, I know how dangerous it could be.”
Superintendent Dr. Mark Secaur pointed out that Bradley’s efforts exemplified a core principle of The Smithtown Promise — You Are a Difference Maker.
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