Nassau police officer Ian Fogarty honored by Nassau County Legislature

A Nassau County police officer was recently recognized for his efforts rescuing two teens who were caught in a riptide this past summer in Westhampton Beach.

Ian Fogarty, of Sayville, was visiting Cupsogue Beach County Park on July 16 with his wife, Kirsten, and three children when he saw eight boys, two of whom got caught in the current about 100 yards offshore. With just a boogie board, the off-duty officer swam out to the two 16-year-olds and helped them make their way back to the shore safely, he said.

Fogarty was recently honored for his “selfless valor” by the Nassau County Legislature, which named him its “Top Cop” for September.

“It just looked like it was something that could go wrong very quickly,” recalled Fogarty, 38. “Almost instantly when they jumped in, they started getting pulled out.”

Fogarty, who has been a Nassau County police officer since 2020, said he was camping with his family for the first time at the 296-acre Cupsogue Beach park when he noticed a “big riptide” in an area about half a mile from any lifeguards. The current was “even bigger” the next day, he said, and he became concerned when he saw the group of boys run directly into it.

As Fogarty approached the shore, he said he saw some of the teens “panicking” and saying their friends “needed help.” The off-duty officer said he grabbed his son’s boogie board and swam out to assist the boys — one of whom laid his full body on the board, while the other held on to the side.

“From there, it was just me dragging them in for the next five, 10 minutes,” said Fogarty, who worked as a Suffolk County lifeguard for 15 years until 2019. “One of the kids was very grateful, and all the friends were very grateful. The other kid was pretty out of it, and he wasn’t really talking much.”

Shortly after, lifeguards and emergency medical technicians arrived after multiple onlookers called 911, according to Fogarty. The teens were then transported back to the main beach, he said.

Tommy Shevlin, president of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, said Fogarty’s bravery and quick response “embody exactly what it means to be a Nassau County police officer.”

“Being a police officer is not a job, it is a calling, and we are never off duty,” Shevlin said, adding that Fogarty showed “dedication” and “selflessness.”

Nassau County Legis. Debra Mulé (D-Freeport) also praised the officer. “We should all strive to replicate” his valor, she said. 

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.