Cuomo Awards 2 Officers Who Found Second Chelsea Bomb

CHELSEA, NY — Two police officers who found the second device in the Chelsea bombing and cleared everyone out of the area were awarded a Letter of Commendation from Gov. Andrew Cuomo Thursday, the governor's office announced. New York State Police Sergeants Timothy M. Sikorski and Jason F. Delos-Santos found the pressure cooker bomb the night of Sept. 17 and discovered it was an improvised explosive device minutes after they responded to a radio call for a suspicious device found on West 27th Street.

Immediately upon finding the second device, a pressure cooker with wires hanging out, officers cleared bystanders from the area and called for assistance to cut off traffic from the street. They found the second bomb just four blocks away from where an IED exploded that night, injuring 31 people.

"In the wake of this latest terror attack on New York, Sgt. Sikorski and Sgt. Delos-Santos demonstrated the courage and selflessness that exemplifies the New York State Police, placing their own safety at risk to protect their fellow New Yorkers," Cuomo said in a statement. "The impact of their work has been felt far beyond the Empire State, and I am proud to honor them for their incredible heroism and bravery."

"Your actions helped prevent the potential serious physical injury or death of numerous innocent civilians," said New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II. "Your performance demonstrated a level of professionalism that was in the finest traditions of the New York State Police. You are commended for a job well done."

Two NYPD Bomb Squad detectives were also promoted for removing the second bomb from the area.

Photo credit: NYPD