Police Chief Michael Biennas nominated Officer Douglas Perrone for the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police’s prestigious Valor Award for “clear acts of courage and bravery” last Thanksgiving Day.
Biennas credited Perrone for putting his life at risk on Nov. 26, 2020, to save a badly injured 30-year-old motorist trapped inside an overturned car that was fully-engulfed in flames, according to information provided by Jaffe Communications.
Perrone is among 33 nominees from nine police departments in line for this year’s Valor Award to be presented at the 109th NJSACOP’s Annual Conference & Police Security Expo Aug. 23–26 in Atlantic City.
Biennas said Perrone, a patrolman since February 2018, was first to arrive at the two-car collision on Pergola Avenue. He tried without success to use a fire extinguisher to put out the burning Ford Fusion.
Then, Perrone climbed inside the flaming car to free the trapped driver and pull him to safety with help from Deputy Fire Chief Lonnie Pipero, who reached the scene, according to the statement.
The NJSACOP established its Valor Award in 2000 to recognize New Jersey police officers and private citizens who demonstrate exceptional heroism and commitment to their profession, their law enforcement agency and to the public they serve. Learn more about the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police at www.NJSACOP.org/”www.NJSACOP.org