New York State Assemblyman Aron Wieder presented Certificates of Merit to Troopers Derick Macaulay and Peter Pjetri during the New York State Police 50th Annual Superintendent’s Commendation and Awards Ceremony held Tuesday at the State Police Academy.
The troopers were honored for their swift and courageous actions on September 14, 2025, when they rescued a driver from a burning vehicle on the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Ramapo, as Monsey Scoop reported.
According to the New York State Police, the incident occurred shortly before 4:40 a.m. when the driver of a Subaru Crosstrek struck a deer, lost control of the vehicle, and crashed into a tree near Exit 12. The engine compartment caught fire almost immediately.
When Troopers Macaulay and Pjetri arrived on scene, they found the driver conscious but trapped inside the burning car. The pair acted without hesitation, pulling the man to safety and confirming that no one else was inside the vehicle. Moments later, the car was fully engulfed in flames.
The driver was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for two fractured ankles and facial injuries. He has since recovered.
During the awards ceremony, Assembly Member Wieder presented each trooper with a Certificate of Merit that read: “For your exceptional bravery and dedication to duty demonstrated on September 14, 2025, during which a life was saved. Your actions demonstrate the finest qualities of service and dedication within the New York State Police.”
“These troopers ran toward danger at great personal risk to save a life,” Wieder said. “Their professionalism and courage represent the very best of the New York State Police. It is a privilege to recognize them during this distinguished awards ceremony.”
The troopers accepted the honors with humility, stating they were simply doing their duty as members of the New York State Police.
Wieder, who represents the 97th Assembly District in Rockland County, has made the support of law enforcement and first responders a priority throughout his tenure. His participation in the Superintendent’s Commendation and Awards Day underscores the high regard elected officials hold for the men and women who serve with the New York State Police.
The 50th Annual Superintendent’s Commendation and Awards Ceremony celebrates outstanding acts of bravery, service, and dedication by troopers across the state.
Why is Rabbi Aron B weider not there??
Looks like Lawler is playing politics…
Let’s defeat Lawler