Amanda Purcell Columbia-Greene Media  August 1, 2018 11:40 pm GREENPORT —

Two Columbia County first responders who helped save a toddler’s life while on vacation in Florida in July were honored by the Greenport Fire Department.  State Trooper Matt Colwell, of Hudson and Greenport firefighter Jessica Hayes, of Greenport, were each presented with awards for valor and pins for lifesaving efforts in a ceremony Saturday at the Greenport Fire Department, 216 Green St. “Although they were on vacation, they took action and that little girl who will now be sitting at the dinner table tonight,” Greenport Fire Chief John Onufrychuk said Tuesday. Colwell, Hayes and her two sons were relaxing by the pool at their hotel, La Quinta Inn Daytona Beach, late in the afternoon July 3 while on vacation when they noticed a little girl face-down in the water.  Hayes and Colwell were able to pull the girl, 3-year-old Zhamiyah Gibson, out of the pool. Hayes began to perform CPR while Colwell called 911. Zhamiyah was breathing on her own by the time police arrived thanks to Colwell and Hayes, according to police.  Read more…

Source: https://www.hudsonvalley360.com