Senator Martins Honors Community Hero

Scout from New Hyde Park Saved His Sister's Life

Within the New York State Senate chamber in the Capitol in Albany on a busy Thursday afternoon, the focus of all members of the Senate are on an 11-year-old resident of New Hyde Park. As Senator Jack M. Martins announces what brought Sean Nidermaier, a fifth grade student at the Notre Dame School, to the center of state government, he done so with a sense of pride.

“There are great things in store for this young man and his family,” Senator Martins said about Sean, who was accompanied in Albany by his proud parents Scott and Katie as well as his sisters Emma, Cailin and Braidy Grace, his scout leader Elizabeth Castelli and Sean’s good friend Michael Castelli

Sean is a dedicated member of the Boy Scouts and, after having learning valuable skills during his time as a Cub Scout, he put those skills to work in the best possibly way. While the family was on a trip to watch older sister Emma play in a softball tournament this past summer, Sean saw his 4-year-old sister Braidy Grace jump into the hotel pool. He sprung into action. With the skills he learned in the aquanauts course in scouting, Sean jumped in after his sister, rescuing her from the pool.

Sean’s efforts in saving his sister were recognized by Boy Scout of American, which awarded him with the National Medal of Heroism, marking the first time since the award began in 1923 that a scout from Nassau County received it.

Sean has his sights set on making Eagle Scout and, based on his work ethic and willingness to help others, there will be many accomplishments for this young New Hyde Park resident with a tremendous heart.

“It’s important that we take the opportunity to recognize those individuals who make our communities better like Sean. They are people we meet every day from all ages and all walks of life,” Senator Martins said. “Sean comes from a wonderful family and I know we’ll be hearing more about him in the days ahead.”

For those in the Senate chamber, Sean is an impressive young man; for his family, he is a blessing and for the community, he is simply a hero.

The video from the Senate floor can be seen at http://youtu.be/82WNKEiyUqQ.