Suffolk Cop Awarded Carnegie Medal For Heroism

Suffolk County Police Highway Patrol Officer Richard Gandolfo was recognized for becoming the first-ever SCPD member awarded the Carnegie Medal during a presentation at Suffolk County Police Headquarters in Yaphank Thursday afternoon.

Gandolfo was chosen to receive the award from the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission for his role in the lifesaving effort to pull a woman from a burning vehicle last year.

Mercedes Ramos, who was 19 at the time, was driving a 2016 Nissan Rouge eastbound on Sunrise Highway in East Patchogue when she crashed her SUV into the rear of a 2000 Mack roll-off container truck around 4:20 a.m. on April 20, 2018.

The Rogue was dragged approximately a quarter-mile and then caught fire. Gandolfo and passing motorist Robert Hosey pulled Ramos from the burning vehicle, which, within 30 seconds of the driver being pulled out, became fully engulfed.

Gandolfo suffered burns to his hands and smoke inhalation and Hosey was treated for smoke inhalation. Ramos, who suffered burns to her legs and a broken ankle, was charged with DWI

Photo by Bryan Lopez

Hosey was recognized for his efforts in the rescue during a ceremony near his home in Coplay, Pennsylvania.

“Officer Gandolfo’s actions were nothing short of heroic,” Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said. “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.”

Andrew Carnegie established the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission in 1904 to recognize outstanding acts of selfless heroism performed in the United States and Canada. The group awards the Carnegie Medal to those who risk their lives to an extraordinary degree while saving or attempting to save the lives of others. Eighteen people, 15 Americans and three Canadians, received the medal in 2019. In its 115 year history, 10,117 people have been honored with this award.

SCPD photo