19-year-old Heroine of Valhalla Train Crash to be Honored at Women of Distinction Event

19-year-old Riley Dejong happened to be a passenger on the Metro North train that collided with an SUV in February, killing six.

According to State Sen. Terrence Murphy, who is giving her a medal tomorrow, she was on her way home from CUNY Hunter College in Manhattan, where she is pursuing a degree in Nursing.

A Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps Crew Chief and an emergency medical technician, Dejong stayed on the scene to put out the fire that had engulfed the train car, rescuing one person from the flames and dragging another to safety. One man she pulled out of the fire was going to lose both his legs, but thanks to Dejong’s actions, he has had successful surgery to reattach them and is now on the road to recovery, Murphy said.

In addition, when one of the responding ambulances was short a Crew Chief, Dejong stepped up to take charge.

it not been for Dejong’s courage and determination, the situation could have been much worse, Murphy said in a resolution before the New York State Senate: ”she took action without regard for her own safety, which so aptly demonstrates her character and compassion for the safety and welfare of others.”

Murphy will be awarding the New York State Senate’s Liberty Medal to Dejong as part of an evening recognizing some important people from his district. The event, called Women of Distinction, will be an annual one, Murphy staffers said.

Murphy will be honoring a dozen women from across the 40th Senate District Thursday at the Chappaqua Library. These accomplished women were nominated by their hometowns and represent a wide array of achievements which stand as a model of altruism, selflessness and bravery for all residents of the Hudson Valley, he said.

If you go:

• WHAT: Women of Distinction ceremony
• WHEN: 7PM May 21
• WHERE: Chappaqua Library, 195 Greeley Ave., Chappaqua NY 10514