Supervisor Kate Murray (2nd left), Town Clerk Mark Bonilla (left) and Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin (right) present Garden City Police Officer Paul Berg with the 2005 Town of Hempstead Police Service Award. Officer Berg was honored for rescuing a man from being struck by a moving train. The Town of Hempstead recently presented Garden City Police Officer Paul Berg with the 2005 Police Service Award for his heroic actions in saving a man from being hit by a train.

According to the Garden City Police Department, "On the evening of June 24, Garden City Police Officer Paul Berg responded to a call of a man lying on the railroad tracks at the Merillon Avenue Station. Upon his arrival, Officer Berg observed a 55-year-old male lying on the tracks with a train approaching. Fearing for the man's life, Officer Berg jumped over a barrier to reach the track. He then determined the man to be heavily intoxicated and totally unresponsive.

With the train almost upon them, Officer Berg attempted to lift the man off the tracks. The man suddenly awakened and started to resist Officer Berg's attempt to save him by hitting and pushing the officer. As the train approached, Officer Berg summoned all his strength, to overcome the man's resistance, pull him off the tracks and shield him as the train passed by.

Witnesses at the scene stated that the train narrowly missed the two men and that Officer Berg's incredible heroism at great personal risk, indeed saved the man's life. The officer slightly injured a shoulder but his pride and reputation remain healthier than ever.

Officer Berg is a 32-year veteran of the Garden City Police Department. He has compiled an exemplary career and has received numerous departmental and citizen commendations for excellent police work. It is with great honor that we present Officer Paul Berg with the 2005 Town of Hempstead Police Service Award.