Coney Island

Coney Island cop saves drowning teen while on Florida vacation

April 1, 2015 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
State Assemblyman Bill Colton presents a citation to P.O. Albert Mammon as auxiliary officers from the 60th Precinct look on. Photo courtesy Colton’s office
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Even when a cop is off-duty, the officer doesn’t rest. Case in point: Police Officer Albert Mammon of the 60th Precinct in Coney Island who saved a teenager’s life while he was on vacation in Florida in February.

Mammon, a 14-year veteran of the New York Police Department (NYPD), received a proclamation from State Assemblymember Bill Colton at the lawmaker’s district office at 155 Kings Highway on Sunday for his vacation heroics.

Mammon was vacationing in Bal Harbour, Florida in late February and was relaxing on the beach when he heard panicked screaming coming from the ocean. After being directed by several other beachgoers, he ran toward the water and saw Christopher Tran, 17, struggling to stay afloat far from the shoreline. Without hesitation, Mammon jumped into the choppy waters and swam toward the teenager, along with several other rescuers. They helped get Tran onto a surfboard and safely back to the beach, rescuing him from drowning.

The New York Daily News reported that Mammon kept a cool head and calmly directed the other rescuers so that Tran could be carried to safety on the beach.

Tran lives in upstate New York. He was in Florida visiting his sister, Cynthia Tran, who was on the beach with him the day of the rescue, according to Colton’s office. 

On Sunday, Colton (D-Gravesend-Bensonhurst) presented Mammon with a New York State Assembly Proclamation of Honor.

“Officer Mammon’s courageousness led to him saving the life of a young man who was having trouble swimming in the ocean. Officer Mammon’s brave actions exemplify the many brave heroes who serve as New York City’s police officers. Although he was off-duty and vacationing, Officer Mammon still upheld his oath to serve and protect people. The man and women who serve in the NYPD are extraordinary, and Officer Mammon’s fearless actions in rescuing Christopher Tran demonstrate that,” Colton said.

Mammon, who was born and raised in Brooklyn, joined the NYPD Explorer Program as a teenager and volunteered to serve as an auxiliary police officer a few years later. He eventually joined the NYPD as a police officer. He is currently assigned to the 60th Precinct, where he serves as the auxiliary program coordinator.

Colton also invited auxiliary police officers from the 60th Precinct to attend the presentation. 

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