Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams hosted Thursday family members and community leaders to celebrate the heroic rescue of 10-year-old Moshe Altman, who fell down a manhole last Tuesday in Borough Park.

After plummeting twenty feet down into the sewer, Moshe was quickly brought to safety by Verizon workers Mike Kroski and Tom Prestia, as well as Hatzolah worker Moshe Portigal.

Mr. Adams, flanked by Verizon and Hatzolah representatives, along with Altman’s family, applauded the three heroes and presents them with special commendations for their service to Brooklyn. Rabbi Berish Freilich from Borough Park and

“More than trees grow in Brooklyn, we have heroes growing in Brooklyn,” the Borough President said, as he echoed his mantra of one Brooklyn.

“This story embodies the One Brooklyn concept here at Borough Hall: people from different communities working together for the betterment of their borough. Their quick thinking and resourcefulness saved Moshe,” he said.

“Mike Kroski and Tom Prestia may not know the Talmudic saying that whoever saves a life is considered as if he saved an entire world, but their brave actions exemplify that saying,” Assembly Member Dov Hikind said in a written statement.

“The entire community owes Mike Kroski, Tom Prestia and Moshe Portigal a debt of gratitude for stepping up and turning what could have been a tragedy into a happy ending,” said Councilman David Greenfield. “These quick-thinking Verizon employees and dedicated Hatzolah volunteers answered the call and were there during an emergency in our community. We are very proud of them and very thankful for their actions.”

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)

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BY HILLEL ENGEL FOR YWN: