A former Little Meadows man was one of more than 30 people honored at the New York State Police Awards Day Ceremony on May 18, 2005. 

 The Superintendent’s Commendation Award was given to Technical Sergeant Todd Hathaway, son of Carol and David Luddington of Little Meadows, and the late Emmett Hathaway. The award recognizes extraordinary performance of duty or exceptional contributions to the New York State Police.

 On September 17, 2004, Aviation Syracuse was requested to respond to Troop C to conduct an aerial survey of widespread flooding conditions as a result of Hurricane Ivan.

 Division Helicopter 1H16 piloted by Technical Sergeant Hathaway and co-piloted by Mr. Sauer began an aerial survey of the Delaware and Susquehanna River basins.

 Flooding was extensive. Numerous roadways were flooded and closed, vehicles had been submerged, camper-trailers were swept downstream dwellings were partially submerged, and most of the village of Downsville was under water.

 In addition, many fire departments from across New York State responded to the state of emergency that had been declared in the three county area.

 At 3:10 pm, 1H16 was dispatched to the east branch of the Delaware River, eight miles south of the Village of Downsville. Reports had been received that a female was trapped on a barn roof.

 Upon arrival, Technical Sergeant Hathaway located several residents on the roof of a shed on an island surrounded by raging flood waters.

 Technical Sergeant Hathaway flew 1H16 to a nearby hollow that he had found in a thick of trees, to make the aircraft ready for a hoist rescue. Fireman Dennis Percopo volunteered to assist in the operation.

 Technical Sergeant Hathaway, co-pilot Sauer, and fireman Percopo flew back to the stranded people and began rescuing all seven individuals from the roof of the shed. Due to the tree cover, the rescue took place from over 100 feet in the air, making visibility and maneuverability very difficult. For 30 minutes, the three men worked flawlessly in extreme conditions.

 Technical Sergeant Hathaway steadily piloted the helicopter. Co-pilot Sauer acted as the spotter and operated the hoist. Fireman Percopo rode down to the individuals in the rescue basket, and secured each of them to the basket to ensure their safety during the airlift.

 Due to the bravery, skill, and poise of these men, seven people’s lives were saved in keeping with the finest tradition of the New York State Police.

 Co-pilot James E. Sauer received the Superintendent’s Employee Recognition Award, and fireman  Dennis T. Percopo received the Superintendent’s Certificate of Appreciation.

 New York State Police Superintendent Wayne E. Bennett said, “Each and every day, somewhere in New York State, a Trooper places himself or herself in harm’s way to protect the public. Today’s awards recognize some of the more notable acts of heroism, persistence and duty by honoring these outstanding individuals for continuing the fine tradition of selfless duty to the people of this state.”