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Woman Earns Medal For Helping Injured Valhalla Train Crash Survivors

CHAPPAQUA, N.Y. -- Lewisboro's Riley DeJong was recently awarded the New York State Senate Liberty Medal for aiding wounded survivors of the deadly February train collision in Valhalla.

Lewisboro resident Riley DeJong (right) with her medal. State Sen. Terrence Murphy is pictured at left.

Lewisboro resident Riley DeJong (right) with her medal. State Sen. Terrence Murphy is pictured at left.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie
Women of Distinction honorees at the Chappaqua Library.

Women of Distinction honorees at the Chappaqua Library.

Photo Credit: Tom Auchterlonie

The medal was presented by state Sen. Terrence Murphy at his "Women of Distinction" event on May 21 at the Chappaqua Library. The event was meant to honor accomplished women from around the 40th state senate district.

Before giving the medal, Murphy noted that DeJong, who was in the same train because she was returning home from Hunter College, rushed to the scene of the collision.

“Riley ran into the inferno and began to treat the wounded,” he said.

First, Murphy noted, DeJong helped a person who was on fire by putting it out and getting the individual to safety. Next, DeJong assisted a person whose legs had been severed, helping to stop the bleeding and then carrying the individual to an ambulance. 

Murphy also noted that DeJong performed both actions at just the age of 19.

DeJong, who is an EMT with the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps (LVAC), told Daily Voice that she is "very honored” to be given such an award. She added that others who helped out at the scene deserve to share in the award as well.

DeJong, a former Bedford Hills resident, is also a volunteer member of the Bedford Hills Fire Department. 

Daily Voice will also publish a list of Women of Distinction recipients at the ceremony.

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