He’s a bone fide local hero!
A Brighton Beach man received an award for his heroic rescue efforts following a car crash in Sheepshead Bay last month. Gary Danilov said he was overcome with joy when the 61st Precinct presented him with a certificate of recognition on June 13.
“I was overwhelmed,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it.”
On May 27, two cars collided at the intersection of Bedford Avenue and Avenue W, and Danilov acted swiftly and courageously when he assisted victims of the wreck, according to the local community board leader.
“He broke a window and pulled people out of the car,” said Community Board 15 chairwoman Theresa Scavo.
CB 15 and the 61st Precinct Community Council wanted to give Danilov the award to show appreciation for his brave and selfless act, she said.
“He’s definitely the type of guy you want in your neighborhood,” said Scavo. “We did it to say ‘thank you.’”
Capt. James King, commanding officer of the 61st Precinct presented him with the award at a ceremony attended by Danilov’s family, Scavo, and others.
Danilov, an immigrant from the former Soviet Union, was with his family when he witnessed the crash, and immediately sprung into action, according to his wife. She said she was worried he would get hurt or even killed if the wreckage exploded, leaving her and their children alone.
“I was upset, what if he got blown up?” said Marianna Danilov.
This wasn’t Danilov first brush with danger. In 2014, he was shot in a Bensonhurst Park during an argument, he said.
His family is proud he now has some recognition for his selfless ways.
“He goes out of the way for people,” his wife said. “It’s just his character.”
