Transportation Security Officer Answers Call for Help
News & Happenings
February 2, 2007
Transportation Security Officer Saul Velez, a retired 20-year veteran of the New York City Fire Department, saved a man pinned between two limousines parked in front of the Stewart International Airport (New Windsor, N.Y.) terminal on January 24.
During his morning shift, Velez responded swiftly to assist Andrew Catroppo, a limousine driver, who was lying on the ground and bleeding profusely from his leg. Recognizing arterial bleeding, Velez used his belt as a tourniquet and applied pressure, remaining with the man until paramedics arrived. “I’m just doing my job,” he said later.
Catroppo had been struck from behind by another limousine as he unloaded luggage from his own vehicle’s trunk when the other driver failed to put his car in the “park” position. Attempting to stop the car, the driver accidentally hit the accelerator rather than the brake, striking Catroppo. Doctors were able to maintain circulation to the man’s leg, helping avoid amputation.
