Immigrant Policemen Victor Brunnel and Bokth Taufique received Proclamations or Diplomas of Valor from Mayor Eric Adams for their heroic and timely action on Thanksgiving Day when they rescued a man who had fallen unconscious on the train tracks minutes earlier of the 6 train, which was rapidly approaching the 116th Street & Lexington Avenue station.
“The two officers ran across the road and without hesitation rushed to the rescue, seconds before the train passed, with the help of a good Samaritan they rescued the fallen man,” the mayor said.
NYPD in action.
In the officers’ dramatic body camera video, the approaching train is clearly seen and one of the officers can be heard saying they only had two minutes to pull the man from the jaws of death. His quick and timely action saved the lives of all involved.
“The man is alive today and will celebrate his birthday tomorrow because of his heroic act. You two represent what is special about the entire police force,” Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said.
“Officers Victor and Bokth represent what it means to be New York’s best. Working on Thanksgiving Day, these police heroes put a fellow New Yorker’s safety above their own by saving the life of a man who accidentally fell on his subway platforms. Today’s honors are well deserved!” Commissioner Sewell also wrote in a message on social media.
Officers Victor and Bokth represent what it means to be the best in New York. Working through Thanksgiving Day, these heroic cops put the safety of a fellow New Yorker ahead of their own by saving the life of a man who accidentally fell onto the subway tracks. Today’s honors are well deserved! pic.twitter.com/S2vtDxTvVw
— Commissioner Sewell (@NYPDPC) November 28, 2022
As expected, the heroes said that they were just doing their job and could not be mere spectators facing the urgent situation they experienced. Like the good Samaritan who is also a hero without a cape, who rushed to the rescue of the victim without a second thought.
-Would you have jumped?
“Eh, I can’t tell you yes, yes or no, but in action I think so, right now, ah, maybe looking at it before, but in action I think so because we think of another’s life as someone who would also think of me” said one Metro user.
“Thank God the police were able to help him and save his life, because people can’t be left to die in a situation like this, they have to come and help him, forced,” said Jesús Encarnación, another metro user.
The victim sustained only minor injuries to the hand and back.
“These agents are a testament to our commitment and promise to keep the subway system safe,” the mayor added.
Mayor Adams took the opportunity to say that serious crime on the rail system was down 13% in the past 28 days.
