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Mahopac Hero Teen Honored By New York Knicks

Cullen Malzo, the Mahopac teen who rescued two teenaged girls from drowning, was honored by his favorite basketball team.

John Starks and Larry Johnson with Cullen Malzo, who saved two girls from drowning.

John Starks and Larry Johnson with Cullen Malzo, who saved two girls from drowning.

Photo Credit: Contributed
John Starks, Cullen Malzo, Ryan Johnson, Lakeland/Panas track coach and Larry Johnson.

John Starks, Cullen Malzo, Ryan Johnson, Lakeland/Panas track coach and Larry Johnson.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The 19-year-old Malzo, received a surprise visit from Knicks legends John Starks and Larry Johnson at Walter Panas High School on Dec. 9 and was also recognized Thursday night at Madison Square Garden during the Knicks' game vs. the Orlando Magic.

Malzo, a Lakeland grad, is a volunteer coach for the Panas/Lakeland track team.

Starks and Johnson presented him with Knicks tickets and a Knicks Quickster Tissot watch.

Malzo was recently given the New York State Senate Liberty Medal, the state's highest honor for saving Dana Circelli and Julia Brower, both 17, from drowning in Lake Mahopac following a car accident.

Malzo was in his driveway on Nov. 10 when a car came speeding down North Lake Boulevard. The driver lost control of the car, hit a utility pole and then flipped over, landing upside down in Lake Mahopac.

Malzo called 911- at first on his calculator by accident- and then went into the lake. He heard the girls screaming and was able to reach the passenger and pull her out of the window. He then found the driver's foot and pulled her to safety. 

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