TOMS RIVER – The council presented lifesaving awards to a Toms River Police Officer and three good Samaritans after they all helped save an injured motorcyclist.
Mayor Maurice Hill and the Township Council honored Toms River Police Officer Bridgette Badalis and brothers Christopher and Joseph Drago at the July 13 meeting for their heroic actions. A third Good Samaritan, Miguel Otero, was unable to attend the meeting.
Christopher Drago immediately called 911 to report the accident. Otero quickly gave aid to the injured motorcyclist by removing his own shirt to help control the bleeding on the victim’s leg. Joseph Drago also removed his belt and used it as a tourniquet on the victim’s leg.
When Officer Badalis arrived at the scene, she applied two tourniquets to the victim’s leg. While first responders lifted the injured motorcyclist onto a backboard, all three good Samaritans stayed to assist them and the victim was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for further treatment.
“Officer Badalis, who started with the Toms River Police Department as a special officer in September, is commended for using her training and experience to save a person’s life. Without the quick response and critical life support rendered by these three Good Samaritans and Officer Badalis, a life would have been lost,” Mayor Hill said.
“The actions of Officer Badalis, Christopher, Joseph and Miguel were lifesaving, heroic and outstanding contributions to public safety in Toms River,” Council President Kevin Geoghegan said.
