Press Release – June 2026

Volunteers for Springfield Park Honors Heroic FDNY Firefighter Shaun McMahon at Annual Luncheon

Fay D. Hill

QUEENS, NY — July 7, 2026 — Volunteers for Springfield Park (VFSP) proudly celebrated community heroes at its annual luncheon on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Douglaston Manor. Among the distinguished honorees was FDNY Firefighter Shaun McMahon of Engine 311 and Ladder 158, located adjacent to Springfield Park in Springfield Gardens, Queens.

Firefighter McMahon was recognized for his extraordinary bravery during an ice rescue on February 13, 2026. Responding to an emergency where an 11-year-old boy had fallen through the ice on a local pond, McMahon donned a cold-water suit as the designated “Rescue Swimmer 1.” Despite still being on probation, he demonstrated immense skill and courage. To safely navigate the thin ice, McMahon lay flat on the frozen surface, using his ice pick to slide toward the victim. When the ice gave way to deep water, he swam directly to the boy and secured him before signaling his partner to reel them both to safety.

In recognition of his life-saving actions, the VFSP board selected Firefighter McMahon as a 2026 community honoree. At the luncheon, he was presented with several official commendations, including a citation from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Jr. Following the event, VFSP founding board member Fay D. Hill and Treasurer Jean P. Melvin made a special visit to the Springfield Gardens firehouse. Surrounded by his fellow firefighters, McMahon was formally presented with the official VFSP citation to honor his dedication to keeping the community safe.