Cop Honored For Saving Man's Life After Arm Severely Cut By Lawnmower In Somerset County

PEAPACK & GLADSTONE, NJ — Detective Nicholas Ortiz of the Peapack & Gladstone Police Department, who saved a man's life after his arm was severely cut by a lawnmower, was honored by Congressman Tom Kean as District 7's Law Enforcement Hometown Hero of the week.

"Detective Ortiz’s quick thinking and decisive action showcase the excellence of the department, and we are grateful for his service to the Peapack-Gladstone community," said Kean.

On May 8 at 3:15 p.m., Ortiz was called to the area of Mosle Road and South Street for the report of a landscaper who had cut his arm with a zero-turn walk behind lawnmower.

Ortiz found the 33-year-old man from Far Hills bleeding heavily from his right arm and suffering from a severe traumatic laceration to his right forearm, said Peapack And Gladstone Police Department.

Ortiz quickly assessed the man, applied a department-issued tourniquet to the victim’s right arm, and used additional pressure to stop the bleeding, said police.

Peapack – Gladstone First Aid & Rescue Squad members then arrived to offer life-saving measures to the victim.

"Through the quick assessment and actions of Detective Ortiz and the members of the Peapack – Gladstone First Aid Squad the victim’s life was saved," said police at the time.

"Acting quickly, Detective Ortiz applied a tourniquet, saving the man’s arm and likely his life," said Kean.

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