Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

((pictured from left to right) 200 Club Secretary Louis R. Dell’Ermo, 2006 Valor Award Recipients Police Officer Lance Harrison, Police Officer Aaron Woody and Chief Christopher Trucillo

Police Officer Lance Harrison and Police Officer Aaron Woody
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey

On the evening of June 22, 2006, Officers Lance Harrison and Aaron Woody of the Port Authority Police Department were on routine patrol at Newark’s Pennsylvania Station when they observed a man become disoriented and fall onto the Track #1.

Immediately, the officers rushed to the platform’s edge and radioed the New Jersey Transit dispatcher to stop all inbound trains and to cut power to the track. The dispatcher advised the officers that power could not be cut and that incoming trains could not be stopped. The officers were further advised that train #3512 was due into the station on Track #1 momentarily.

Instantly, Harrison and Woody got down on their stomachs and stretched themselves out over the tracks. They grabbed the unconscious victim by his arms and waist and hoisted him safely back onto the platform. Seconds later, as scheduled, train #3512 came roaring into the station on Track #1. Had the officers hesitated the victim would have been instantly killed and the officers would have sacrificed their own lives as they would have literally been cut in two by the incoming train. The officers performed first aid on the man and stabilized him before turning him over to responding EMS technicians.

Totally disregarding their own personal safety, the officers demonstrated outstanding courage, brilliant teamwork and quick thinking throughout this incident. For their bravery, selflessness and dedication to duty, The 200 Club of Essex County proudly presented Valor Awards to Police Officers Lance Harrison and Aaron Woody.

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