Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Two State Police Aviators Honored for Heroic Rescue of Stranded Hikers in 2016


Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced the first-ever recipients of the Division of Criminal Justice Services' inaugural Lifesaving Award. Technical Lt. Peter R. McLain and Technical Sgt. Brian D. Rumrill of the New York State Police Aviation Unit were honored for their role in the rescue of a pair of young hikers who fell from the snow-covered summit of Algonquin Mountain in December 2016. The helicopter pilot and co-pilot braved strong winds and dangerous winter-weather conditions to rescue the hikers who were stranded for two days in sub-zero temperatures.

"The actions of Technical Lt. McLain and Technical Sgt. Rumrill exemplify the courage and bravery of New York's first responders," Governor Cuomo said. "I am proud to honor these individuals for their selfless rescue efforts and thank them on behalf of all New Yorkers for their service."

The Lifesaving Award was created last year by the Governor's Police Officer of the Year Award selection committee in response to the many nominations it receives involving police officers who performed heroic acts during life-threatening emergencies. Technical Lt. McLain and Technical Sgt. Rumrill were among 13 officers nominated by their agencies for the Police Officer of the Year award, which was presented to Syracuse Police Officer Kelsey Francemone last fall. The two Troopers and other nominees received a Certificate of Exceptional Valor from Governor Cuomo during the Police Officer of the Year selection process. The committee aims to present the Lifesaving Award to Police Officer of the Year nominees whose courageous and unselfish acts resulted in the saving of a human life.

Click here for the full article.

Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

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