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Long Island Crash Survivor Reunites With Officers Who Pulled Him From Burning Jeep

Bodycam footage of the rescue was shown at police headquarters during a ceremony recognizing the five officers.

Overview

  • On March 4, Kervens Lesperance, 19, met the Suffolk County officers at department headquarters in Yaphank during a reunion that included formal recognition by county officials.
  • The officers credited with the rescue are Robert Stroehlein, Craig Capobianco, Joseph Nofi, Robert Rosciano and Michael Renna.
  • Body-worn camera video showed officers extracting Lesperance from an overturned, burning Jeep, including a moment when Capobianco was briefly pinned against an embankment as Renna worked a fire extinguisher.
  • Police and witnesses said Lesperance crashed on Nov. 24 on Nicolls Road near the Division Street overpass in Holtsville after sideswiping a Toyota Highlander, and the Jeep ignited after overturning.
  • Lesperance suffered a fractured skull and a neck ligament injury, said he was grateful to be alive, and plans to continue his automotive studies.