Three Ridgefield Park (NJ) Officers risked their lives to pull man out of burning vehicle
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 26, 2022) – The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) today announced that Sergeant Nicholas Triano, Patrolman Nicolas D’Alto, and Patrolman Anthony D’Elia of the Ridgefield Park (NJ) Police Department are the Officers of the Month for July 2022. Their heroics led to saving the life of a man from a burning vehicle.
In the early morning hours of July 2, 2022, officers of the Ridgefield Park Police Department were dispatched to a car fire. First to arrive at the scene was Sgt. Triano, who reported flames coming from the front of the vehicle. As the Sergeant approached the flaming vehicle, he noticed a civilian trapped and physically unable to climb out. After attempting to open the doors, Triano reacted quickly and ran to his patrol car to grab a tool to attempt a forced entry. Shortly after, Patrolmen D’Alto and D’Elia arrived at the scene and assisted Triano to extract the driver from the burning vehicle. After dousing the flames, both D’Alto and D’Elia were able to pull the driver out before flames started to spread to the interior cabin.
“We are extremely proud and honored to name this trio of brave officers as this month’s Officers of the Month” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “These three officers disregarded personal safety in a perilous situation to save the driver despite the growing threat.”
Remarkably, the driver walked away with only minor injuries and all three officers were not harmed during the rescue. The driver is extremely grateful to the Ridgefield Park Police Department and the three officers who saved his life.
This month’s Officer of the Month Award is sponsored by 5.11 Tactical and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty. Based out of California and founded in 2003, 5.11 Tactical is the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed for life’s most demanding missions. Engineered for the rigorous standards of first responders, law enforcement and the military, 5.11 products excel across many facets of life – from the front lines to the backcountry.