Rising Pierson High School senior Martin Milazzo has helped improve emergency preparedness in Sag Harbor by raising funds for a climate-controlled SaveStation AED cabinet at Mashashimuet Park.

Through a community fundraising campaign, Milazzo raised more than $1,000 to purchase the outdoor cabinet, allowing the park’s automated external defibrillator (AED) to remain publicly accessible year-round instead of only during the summer months.

“AEDs should be everywhere. They should be as available as an ATM machine. Everyone knows where the closest ATM machine is; imagine if we could have AEDs as readily available as ATM machines.”

— Martin Milazzo

Milazzo, a Town of Southampton lifeguard, was inspired by both his CPR and AED training and the memory of his grandfather, Patrick V. Milazzo, who died from a heart attack in 2002. He chose to install the SaveStation near the baseball fields at Mashashimuet Park to honour his grandfather’s legacy while helping protect athletes, families, and visitors.

Working with community partners, including Sag Harbor Ambulance, Suffolk County EMS, PM Electric, and local volunteers, Milazzo secured both the SaveStation cabinet and a donated AED. The station also includes a first aid kit and Narcan, further enhancing emergency preparedness.

“It feels good to know it may help someone in the future.”

— Martin Milazzo

The AED is now registered as a public access defibrillator with Suffolk County and is available 24/7. No special training is required to use the device, which provides voice-guided instructions to assist bystanders during a cardiac emergency.