Westchester County Police enlisted the help of their helicopter for a rescue today after a Peekskill man and his 6 year old son got stuck in deep mud in a marsh off Croton Point Park.

Police received an  emergency call around 3:40 p.m. from the 34 year old Dad who found himself trapped in mud up to his waist and his son in mud above his waist.

Police officers and firefighters considered a rescue attempt from the shore, but thick mud, tall reeds and the remote location made accessibility difficult. The County police Marine Unit also responded  but was unable to access the marsh because the tide was out.

With temperatures dropping and darkness approaching, police opted to use the Aviation Unit's helicopter to mount an aerial rescue.

Officials say as the helicopter hovered above the father and son, Officer Brian Powers went on the skids of the aircraft and physically extricated the father and son from the mud.

The two were transported to Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Cortlandt for observation.

Westchester's Public Safey Commissioner George N. Longworth had words of praise for the  aviation crew citing their skill and dedication and said it was fortunate that the father had a cell phone with him to dial 911 when trouble struck.

He says had it not been for the phone, the outcome may have been a lot worse due to their remote location.

Longworth says the pair could have been stuck for hours in the cold and dark before anyone realized they were missing. Said Longworth,"The tide would have come back in and hypothermia defintely would have been an issue."

Police have not yet identified the father and son who were rescued.