A Bellmore teen received the state?s highest civilian medal Saturday for his actions that saved three young lives.

State Senator Charles Fuschillo (R-Merrick) honored 18-year-old Thomas Rosati with the New York State Liberty Medal for his heroic actions on February 18. Three neighborhood kids had fallen through the ice on the canal in back of a house. Rosati heard the screams for help and ran barefoot from his home in a T-shirt and shorts to rescue them. Rosati says he didn?t think about the danger on that freezing February day, just on saving the boys.

The Liberty Medal recognizes individuals for humanitarian acts on behalf of fellow New Yorkers. Rosati?s mother says her son has showed her what an incredible young man he is.

Related Information Bellmore teen plucks three boys to safety from icy water