Trooper, Civilian Receive Medals For Actions At Manchester Crash

MANCHESTER, CT — A state police trooper and a good Samaritan involved in an incident in Manchester last summer were among the honorees at an award ceremony Wednesday at the State Police Training Academy in Meriden. The Connecticut State Police honors troopers who demonstrate exceptional service in the line of duty, as well as men and women serving in local and federal law enforcement agencies, those serving as first responders, and civilians.

Trooper Garreth Ollivierre was presented the Lifesaving Award and civilian Alzghoul Omar Mahmoud received the Commissioner's Recognition Award. On July 2, 2018, at 3:37 a.m., a motorist was traveling the wrong way on Interstate 84 in Manchester. Ollivierre saw the vehicle approaching his location and positioned his cruiser into its path, with emergency signals activated. The operator ignored the lights and maneuvered around the cruiser.

Moments later, the vehicle crashed head-on into another vehicle, causing the second vehicle to
immediately burst into flames. Ollivierre and two good Samaritans moved the operator a safe distance away from the fully engulfed vehicle. A third motorist, Mahmoud, stopped to render aid and alerted the trooper that the first vehicle was also on fire and someone might be inside.

Ollivierre was unable to see inside due to deployed airbags; he cut away the airbags and observed a female operator to be lifeless. She had no pulse, was not breathing and had a large open wound to her forehead. Ollivierre and Mahmoud removed her from the burning vehicle and carried her a safe distance away.

Ollivierre immediately began CPR and the woman began to breathe. With medical treatment, both operators were expected to recover.

The Lifesaving Award is presented to those who save a human life or make a valiant attempt to save a life. The Commissioner’s Recognition Award is presented by the agency commissioner to a person who has been instrumental in helping the State Police accomplish their job of public safety for all. This is generally presented to civilians (non-law enforcement).