West Goshen Cop, Citizen Recognized for Heroism

Michael Mostardi and Officer Wesley Holman were recognized with the West Goshen Police Department’s Citizens Hero Award and the West Goshen Police Department’s Officer’s Hero Award at a recent township meeting.

The civilian and cop worked together in January to save a person from a flaming car in a turning lane connecting Route 3 and 202.

According to the department:

On January 25, 2013 at or about 0056hrs., West Goshen Police and West Chester Fire Department were dispatched for a vehicle fire in the area of West Chester Pike and Rt. 202. Upon the arrival of Officer Holman, the engine compartment of a vehicle in the turning lane of Rt. 3 onto Rt. 202 was fully engulfed in flames and flames were beginning to enter the passenger compartment. Mr. Mostardi was on location and advised Officer Holman that the vehicle was in fact occupied.

Officer Holman approached the vehicle and verified that the vehicle was occupied by a single person, the operator who was unconscious and slumped over the passenger seat. Forcible access to the vehicle was necessary as it was locked, so Officer Holman proceeded to break out the passenger side window. Mr. Mostardi attempted to remove the unconscious person from the vehicle while Officer Holman attempted to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher. Mr. Mostardi then went to the drivers side of the vehicle, and assisted by Westtown East Goshen Police Officer Andrew Lang, they were able to remove the occupant from the vehicle. The operator, who was later determined to be intoxicated, then awoke and became combative with the officers and Mr. Mostardi. The occupant was removed to the shoulder of the road, and at this time, knowing that all involved were safe, a photograph of the vehicle was taken.

It was only seconds before the occupant would have succumb to the fire.

In other police business, Lieutenant Gregory Stone was promoted to the rank of Captain during the meeting.