Hero steamfitter Juan Lopez helped save the lives of four New York City police officers from a blazing crash scene.
Lopez was recognized for his bravery by the New York Building Construction Trades’ group last week, but said he only did what anyone else would have done.
“People were clearly in need of help, and I could give it to them. It was as simple as that,” said Lopez, a Steamfitters Local 638 apprentice. Lopez raced towards the accident in East New York in March when an unmarked police cruiser rammed straight into a white van — both vehicles carrying plain clothed officers, according to news reports at the time.
Lopez was among bystanders who pulled the police officers to safety as fire ripped through the vehicles.
At the Edward J. Malloy Initiative for Construction Skills program’s Building Futures Awards Reception last week, Lopez was one of five individuals recognized by the trade group.
Other honorees included Letitia James, New York City Public Advocate; John J. Murphy, Business Manager of UA Local 1 Plumbers of New York City; Charles D. Avolio, LEED APP, Vice President and General Manager of Turner Construction Company and Joseph A. Ienuso, Executive Vice President of Columbia University’s Facilities and Operations.
