Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – Two New York Army National Guard soldiers along with five civilians are being honored for risking their lives to save a National Guardsman from a fiery car crash on the Thruway in Dewitt.
In a dramatic rescue last December, a group of good Samaritans stopped to help Capt. Timothy Neild who was trapped inside his burning truck.
Flashing lights, flames and smoke. That’s what Sgt. Raymond Presley remembers most about that cold December morning.
“I see a vehicle in the median hit a bridge and I saw it was smoking I figured I’d pull over and help put it out,” said Sgt. Presley.
But when Sgt. Presley got to the burning car — his heart dropped — he knew the man that was trapped inside
“I saw his name and his rank and I looked at his face and realized he was a member of my platoon,” said Sgt. Presley.
The man inside, Capt. Timothy Neild, a member of the Army National Guard, had veered off the Thruway and hit a bridge. Well before any rescue crews got there, a group of seven good Samaritans pulled over to help Neild, including two of his fellow guardsmen.
Saturday afternoon, that group was recognized for their bravery and courage:
Sergeant John Tirinato, of Castleton; • Thomas Buckle of Syracuse; • Kevin Harrigan of Syracuse; • Sherry Kline of Syracuse, • Joseph Krywalski of Liverpool; • Dr. Christopher Sewell of Woodbridge, CT; • and Kevin Shier of Toronto, Ontario.
They received the New York State Conspicuous Service Medal and Sgt. Presley was also awarded a soldier’s medal. All say its an incredible honor, but the real reward is seeing Capt. Neild standing proud with his family.
“To me it’s proof of what a miracle it is,” said Capt. Neild. “If they weren’t there that day I wouldn’t be.”
The New York State Conspicuous Service Medal is normally presented to members of the New York Army or Air National Guard but in this case, everyday people who render service to New York’s military forces can receive the award.