Suffolk Police Officer Tapped To Receive New York State's Liberty Award

YAPHANK, NY — A Suffolk police officer who helped people out of an overturned vehicle in Farmingville while off-duty back in June will be honored with the state’s Liberty Award at a special ceremony at Suffolk Police Headquarters in Yaphank on Wednesday, officials said.

While still on probation after graduating after just joining the police department, Officer Kevin Farina rendered aid to two people involved in a crash on County Road 83, near South Bicycle Path, on June 24, police said.

Farina had been on his way to work at the 6th Precinct at 5:20 a.m. when he saw an overturned vehicle off the road, and along with good Samaritans, pulled the two people to safety as it caught fire, according to police.

The vehicle, driven by a 45-year-old woman from Coram, and included a 41-year-old Coram man as a passenger, had overturned, police said.

Both people were uninjured, according to police.

He will be presented with a medal and a proclamation by Sen. Dean Murray and Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison.

The ceremony will kick off at 11 a.m.