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L.I. Boy Gets Award For Saving Woman Being Attacked By Wasps

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- An 8-year-old Long Island boy was recognized as a hero Monday, after he saved his neighbor when a swarm of wasps attacked her.

Luke Rosenthal, 8, was honored by the Town of Hempstead Monday. Luke's father is an East Meadow firefighter, and town officials said he remembered his dad's rescue lessons as he came to the aid of the elderly woman.

Luke happened to be in his tree house when he saw the woman, Grace Mahler of Levittown, crawling on the ground.

"They saw me lying on the ground sobbing," Mahler said. "They lifted me up, put me on my walker, and called the fire department and I was taken to the hospital."

Town officials said 50 life-threatening wasps were threatening Mahler.

"We helped her swat the bees off, and we put her onto flat ground so the wheelchair doesn't roll down the cement," Luke said.

Luke was presented with Town of Hempstead Distinguished Service Pin by Supervisor Kate Murray.

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