Suffolk County Police highway patrol officer Richard Gandolfo received the Carnegie Medal from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission last week for his role in rescuing 19-year-old Mercedes Ramos during a crash in East Patchogue last spring.
The award program, founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1904, recognizes outstanding acts of selfless heroism performed in the United States and Canada.
Gandolfo, the first from SCPD to ever receive this distinction, was assisted by Good Samaritan and passing motorist Robert Hosey during that early morning emergency.
Around 4:20 a.m., Ramos, who was driving under the influence, crashed her 2016 Nissan Rogue into a Mack truck heading eastbound on Sunrise Highway. Her car was dragged ¼ of a mile where it sparked into flames.
According to SCPD, Gandolfo and Hosey quickly converged on the scene and pulled the intoxicated woman out of the car just 30 seconds before her vehicle became fully engulfed in flames.
Officer Gandolfo and Ramos both suffered burns, while all three were treated for smoke inhalation. Ramos was charged with Driving While Intoxicated.
Hosey was recognized with a ceremony near his home in Coplay, Penn, while SCPD celebrated Gandolfo at its headquarters in Yaphank on Dec. 12.
“Officer Gandolfo’s actions were nothing short of heroic,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart. “This young woman’s decision to drive drunk could have ended tragically had it not been for the brave individuals who came to her rescue and saved her life.”
Gandolfo and Hosey are now two of 10,117 to have ever received the Carnegie Medal. See the award below.
Top: Suffolk County Police Highway Patrol Officer Richard Gandolfo (middle) receiving the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission award.
