Five local residents, volunteer firefighters, and emergency medical personnel have been recognized for their heroic actions in rescuing a 16-year-old boy who was found unconscious in a lake in Manchester Township last year.

Manchester Township Police Chief Antonio Ellis presented Civilian Service Awards on Tuesday, October 13, recognizing those who played critical roles in the rescue at Hidden Lake in Whiting on July 30, 2025.

The individuals honored included Joseph Griscavage Jr., Noah DeSimone, Dylan Verge, Sydney Reilly, and Makenzie Vulgaris, along with the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company.

According to police, emergency responders faced significant challenges reaching the teenager due to the lake’s remote location and difficult terrain.

Griscavage, who was familiar with the area, arrived in his Jeep and immediately assisted responding officers, guiding them through the trails to reach the teenager and helping remove him from the water and transport him out of the remote area.

When police vehicles became stuck along the trail, Griscavage also used his Jeep to help free them.

The other four residents assisted in various ways, including helping the teenager, communicating with police dispatchers, and directing responding officers to the location.

Members of the Whiting Volunteer Fire Company and Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services worked alongside police officers and civilians to provide medical care, stabilize the teenager, and coordinate the rescue operation.

Authorities said the teenager ultimately made a full recovery, suffering only a minor concussion.

In addition to the Civilian Service Awards, the Manchester Township Division of Emergency Services received the Chief’s Recognition Award for its personnel’s involvement in the rescue.

Police praised the combined efforts of the residents, volunteers, and emergency responders, highlighting the incident as an example of how teamwork and community involvement can make a lifesaving difference.