Juan Arroyo-Camacho, Department of Transportation

On Tuesday, August 15, 2023, Juan Arroyo-Camacho was conducting an off-site inspection when the woman whose RV he just finished inspecting fell to the ground, hitting her head on the mirror of her RV and, later to find out, breaking her hip. Juan rushed to her side, assessed the situation, and called 911. Juan then tried calling several of the woman's family members to inform them of the accident. When Juan could not reach a family member, he accompanied her in the ambulance and remained with her until her family arrived.

Thomas Catalfamo, Department of Safety and Homeland Security

On February 24, 2023, Trooper First Class Thomas Catalfamo was one of the first responding troopers to the scene of a vehicular collision. One of the vehicles was fully engulfed in flames and a second vehicle was partially engulfed. The operator of the second vehicle was still pinned in his seat and unable to get out under his own power. The fire was spreading across the second vehicle and was burning the operator. TFC Catalfamo entered the front passenger door and cut the seatbelt from the operator, then entered the passenger side of the vehicle and assisted with putting out the flames that were burning the operator.

Adam DeLucia, Department of Transportation

On Wednesday, November 6, 2023, Adam noticed a customer leaning against a wall in the Wilmington DMV. The customer's head began sliding down the wall. As a retired paramedic, Adam immediately sprang into action. Adam assessed the man's condition and determined he was experiencing low blood sugar due to a medical condition. After checking his pulse and noticing it was extremely weak, Adam alerted his supervisor to call 911 immediately. Adam stayed with the customer until the Holloway Terrace Fire & EMS transported them to the hospital.

Michael Downes and Matthew Sampson, Department of Transportation

On Friday, August 11, 2023, Michael Downes and Matthew Sampson were returning to the Area 11 maintenance yard when they witnessed a Newark police officer crash into a vehicle. Both Michael and Matthew immediately assessed the situation and began assisting. They noticed the police officer was confused and shocked and began to render aid. While helping the police officer, the other vehicle erupted in flames, and Matthew quickly responded by removing the occupant from the car. Both Michael and Matthew remained at the scene until emergency personnel arrived.

Matthew Lichtenstein, Department of Transportation

Near the end of the day on November 13, 2023, one of the administrators began coughing. Matt came out of his office, ran down the hallway, and determined that someone was choking. After receiving permission, Matt immediately administered the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging what was caught in the person's throat. One coworker said, “While the rest of us were frozen, Matt remained calm and took charge to help his employee. Matt was truly a hero that day, and while I was not the one who needed the Heimlich, we are all grateful for him and his heroism that day!”

Sara Miller, Tracy Purnell and Sasha Rampersad, Department of Labor

On Tuesday August 16, 2023, Sara, Tracy and Sasha were working at the Employment and Training Resource Room when a client and her 3-year-old daughter arrived. She said that she was unemployed, homeless, and trying to find a job. Then she shared that she was having suicidal thoughts and thoughts about harming her child. Sara, Tracy, and Sasha immediately contacted the crisis intervention team and Wilmington Police Department for assistance. While the client was speaking with the crisis team, Sara, Tracy and Sasha cared for the child, entertaining her, providing snacks and taking her to McDonalds for a Happy Meal. The crisis team was able to find a family member to care for the child while the client received services.

John Walker, Department of Transportation

On Wednesday, October 11, 2023, John Walker was driving the paratransit bus on I-95 when a collision occurred. One vehicle collided with the median. John immediately pulled over and assisted the person in the car. The driver was trapped, and John pulled the driver out. The driver was choking and covered in blood. John rolled the person into the recovery position to protect their airway and waited for emergency personnel to arrive. The EMT informed John that he probably saved the driver's life.