MTA Officers Reunite Lost Child on Staten Island
A group of MTA police officers recently returned a separated 10-year-old boy to his family home.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Emergency Response
In September 2026, MTA police officers successfully located and reunited a lost 10-year-old boy with his family on Staten Island. The officers discovered the child near the Jefferson Avenue Staten Island Railway station.
Why it matters
The successful reunion highlights the collaboration between transit police and language support services to ensure public safety. It also recognizes the officers involved for their decisive actions in resolving the incident.
The incident involved a 10-year-old boy found near the Jefferson Avenue station, with assistance provided by an NYPD officer to bridge language barriers. The case remains under administrative review as part of standard protocol.
The players
Joseph Amato
He is an MTA police sergeant who participated in the search and reunion of the child.
Fang Jeen Lin
She is an NYPD officer who facilitated the reunion by providing essential translation services.
The details
MTA officers used Mandarin translation services provided over the phone by NYPD Officer Fang Jeen Lin to communicate with the child. After obtaining necessary information, the group transported the boy directly to his residence.
Timeline
The child was located and reunited with his family in September 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
This event follows the established pattern of the MTA Heroes program, which honors personnel who perform exceptional service in the line of duty. The recognition highlights the role of transit police in community-based emergency response.
The rapid resolution of this case serves as a reminder to establish clear emergency contact protocols for children when using public transit. In the event of a missing child, residents should immediately contact local authorities or the nearest MTA personnel for assistance.
The takeaway
Effective communication and inter-agency cooperation remain vital components for resolving public safety incidents quickly. Families should maintain updated emergency information to assist officers during time-sensitive situations.
Further reading
Learn more about local public safety initiatives on the Staten Island Emergency Response page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ABC7 New York.
