On Tuesday, Jan. 11, Mary Murtha of Berkley Road in Mineola came rushing out of her home to help a worker who was working at a nearby home.

The man nearly severed his arm. Murtha, who is a nurse at Winthrop-University Hospital, used one of her husband ties as a tourniquet and held the arm up until an ambulance arrived. Murtha very well may have saved the man's life.

Although Murtha is humble, her heroic deed did not go unnoticed. Recently Mineola Mayor Jack M. Martins honored Murtha by presenting her the key to the village at village hall. The mayor commented that he wished Murtha lived on his block and he thanked her. Also, Senator Michael Balboni presented Murtha with a medal and also expressed his appreciation.

Murtha said that she believes the man will be one of the five people she meets in heaven.