Old Lyme Police Officer Roche Hailed A Hero

OLD LYME, CT —The Connecticut State Police honors troopers and other law enforcement officers who demonstrate exceptional service in the line of duty. Old Lyme Police officer Kevin Roche is one of those heroes.

Among those awards is the Lifesaving Award, presented to those who save a human life or make a valiant attempt to save a life.

That award went to officer Roche for saving a desperate and suicidal man's life.

That cold January morning in 2019, citizen Daniel Hutchinson told officer Roche about a suspicious thing he'd seen at the Old Lyme Interstate 95 exit 70 commuter lot.

Hutchinson saw a vehicle with its engine running and one person inside and through a partially opened rear hatch, saw a black hose that ran from the side of the car.

Officer Roche immediately called for an ambulance when he saw a man, alone in the locked car quickly filling with exhaust. Roche broke in to the car through the rear hatch and climbed to the front: the man was conscious and holding a knife in his hand. Officer Roche convinced the man to give him the knife. An ambulance arrived. It was later learned that the suicidal man feared he was going to prison for an unrelated criminal matter.

Hutchinson was awarded the Commissioner's Recognition Award, presented to a civilian who was instrumental in helping the police accomplish their job of public safety for all.

Award winners received medals and certificates from Commissioner James C. Rovella and State Police Colonel Stavros Mellekas. Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz also attended and addressed the recipient.

Read all the stories behind the medals for bravery, honor, and meritorious service.

CSP Awards 2019 by Ellyn Santiago on Scribd

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