News release from Police Department:
On Tuesday February 25, 2020 at 0415hrs Bridgeport Police Officer Ramirez came upon a MVA on Chopsey Hill Road involving a single vehicle on its driver side and on fire with an occupant still inside. Officer Ramirez attempted to get the occupant out through the passenger side window, but the occupant could not reach her hand. Sgt. Debarros arrived on scene and also attempted to get the occupant out by trying to break the front window.
At this time while BFD and AMR were in route, Sgt. Ken Fortes, Officer Chris Smith Officer John Knapp, Officer James Motasky, Officer John Asik, Officer Mike Hernandez, Officer Juan Bayas from other sectors across the area arrived on scene and as a team were able to push the vehicle which was on fire back on its wheels and the officers were able to pull the female occupant out through the passenger window and carry her to a safe distance while the vehicle became engulfed with flames. Bridgeport Fire arrived on scene to extinguish the fire and AMR transported the party to the hospital.
Mayor Ganim stated, “The men and women of the Bridgeport Police Department put their lives on the line every day in an effort to achieve the goal of saving and protecting lives. The Officers didn’t hesitate to put their lives in risk to save another, and due to their heroic efforts a life was saved.”
“I am very proud of these Officers and the way they worked as a team to save this female party,” stated Chief Perez. “The members of this department go above and beyond daily with the job of protecting our great community in an effort to ensure everyone goes home to their loved ones at the end of the day.”
Bravo to these Officers for a job well done. There are too many negative stories about the police, this was definitely needed. Good job.
Always proud of Bridgeport’s finest. Awesome teamwork. These are the acts of heroism that are often forgotten. The victim was very fortunate. Kudos!