Retired NYPD Officers Rescue Mother, Baby From East River Queens

A retired NYPD officer, Paul Pinsdorf, heroically rescued a 30-year-old woman and her 5-month-old baby from the East River in Queens during preparations for the College Point Halloween Parade and Festival. Pinsdorf, who was volunteering at the event, heard screams and immediately entered the water, where the woman was waist-deep and resisting help, with the baby's head nearly submerged. His friend and fellow retired officer, Kevin O'Donnell, called 911 as Pinsdorf pulled the woman and child to safety despite her resistance and incoherent state. Both mother and baby were conscious when rescued and were taken to hospitals for care, while the woman was taken into custody. The officers credited quick action and being in the right place at the right time for the successful rescue, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention. Authorities remain unsure of the woman's motives for entering the river, but the incident highlights the critical role of trained responders and community volunteers in emergencies.