The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) today announced Sgt. Nicholas Triano, Patrolman Nicolas D’Alto, and Patrolman Anthony D’Elia of the Ridgefield Park (NJ) Police Department are the Officers of the Month for July 2022. Their heroics led to saving the life of a man from a burning vehicle.

“We are extremely proud and honored to name this trio of brave officers as Officers of the Month” says Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “These three officers disregarded personal safety in a perilous situation to save the driver despite the growing threat.”

In the early morning hours of July 2, officers were dispatched to a car fire. First to arrive at the scene was Triano, who reported flames coming from the front of the vehicle. As the sergeant approached the flaming vehicle, he noticed a civilian trapped and physically unable to climb out. After attempting to open the doors, Triano reacted quickly and ran to his patrol car to grab a tool to attempt a forced entry.

Shortly after, D’Alto and D’Elia arrived at the scene and assisted Triano in rescuing the driver from the burning vehicle. After dousing the flames, both D’Alto and D’Elia were able to pull the driver out before flames started to spread to the interior cabin. The driver walked away with only minor injuries and all three officers were unharmed during the rescue.

This month’s Officer of the Month Award is sponsored by 5.11 Tactical and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty. Based out of California and founded in 2003, 5.11 Tactical is a global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear, and gear designed for life’s most demanding missions.

About NLEOMF

Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The first pillar of this mission, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the names of all 23,229 officers who have died in the line of duty to date throughout U.S. history. Additionally, NLEOMF maintains and publishes comprehensive details on the circumstances surrounding official line-of-duty deaths. The Officer Safety and Wellness pillar uses that data, coupled with best-practice program models, to produce programming directed at solutions to improve survivability and enhance wellness. NLEOMF’s third pillar, the National Law Enforcement Museum (LawEnforcementMuseum.org) is committed to preserving the history of American law enforcement and sharing the experiences of service and sacrifice for generations to come.