A large turtle wandering toward traffic on Wantagh Parkway was safely rescued last week thanks to the efforts of a local veterans advocate, a New York State trooper and animal rescue personnel.
John Scalesi, senior vice commander of the Disabled American Veterans Department of New York State and a longtime volunteer with the Bellmore Fire Department, was driving southbound on Wantagh Parkway near the pedestrian bridge by Wantagh High School at about 1:25 p.m. on May 22 when he noticed something unusual along the roadside.
"As an EMS person, you never know if there's going to be an emergency," Scalesi said. At first, he wasn't sure exactly what he had seen. After passing the area, he continued south before turning around and heading back north to investigate. Scalesi said he contacted a friend involved in animal rescue efforts to alert him about the turtle's location and then returned to the scene.
By the time he arrived, a New York State Police trooper had also spotted the animal. The turtle was approaching the right lane of traffic when responders reached it. "The turtle was just about to go into the right lane," Scalesi recalled.
According to Scalesi, the responding trooper, later identified as Trooper Sotiris Kalodukas, put on protective gloves and carefully guided the turtle away from the roadway while animal rescue personnel responded.
A volunteer from an animal rescue organization based in Freeport also arrived at the scene to assist. Scalesi estimated the turtle weighed roughly 15 pounds. While responders were initially concerned the turtle may have been injured, no obvious injuries were visible.
"The woman from the rescue said she didn't see anything," Scalesi said. "She didn't know if it was injured, but she didn't see any signs of that." No traffic disruptions were reported during the rescue. Photographs taken at the scene show Scalesi and Kalodukas posing beside a pet carrier containing the turtle beneath the Wantagh High School pedestrian bridge. The turtle was later secured by the animal rescue volunteer, though Scalesi said he was unsure where it was ultimately relocated.
New York State Police officials praised the collaborative effort between residents and law enforcement. "This incident was a great example of Troopers and the community working together toward a positive outcome," Trooper Brittany Burton, public information officer for New York State Police Troop L, said in a statement. "No call is too big or too small and we are always happy to help however we can. It is especially a good day when everyone comes together and works toward a safe and positive outcome like this one."
Burton added that Kalodukas reported an "outstanding citizen" located the turtle and remained with it until help arrived. "Just goes to drive home the positive outcomes that can occur when the community and Troopers work together," Burton said.
For Scalesi, who frequently travels throughout Long Island attending veterans events and community functions, helping keep the animal safe was simply the right thing to do.
The rescue also served as a reminder that wildlife often crosses Long Island roadways during the warmer months, creating dangers for both animals and motorists. Scalesi said this was not the first time he had encountered a turtle near a busy roadway.
He recalled seeing an even larger turtle near an entrance ramp to the Southern State Parkway in the past. This time, however, the outcome was a happy one. With the help of an observant passerby, responding state troopers and animal rescue personnel, the turtle avoided traffic and was safely removed from harm's way.
