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Cortland honors two officers for vehicle rescue on Dec. 27
Summary
Council presented lifesaving awards to two police officers who rescued a trapped, injured driver from a burning vehicle on Dec. 27, 2025; the chief and council pointed listeners to a public video of the rescue.
Cortland City Council on Jan. 5 presented lifesaving awards to two police officers who responded to a motor-vehicle crash on Dec. 27, 2025, that left a driver trapped in a burning vehicle.
According to council remarks, Officers John Massore and Chuck Lorai were first on the scene after a 9-1-1 call. Officer Massore broke the vehicle's sunroof to reach the trapped driver, who had significant injuries; Officer Lorai used a fire extinguisher to knock down flames while the other officer worked to free the occupant. The chief and council praised the officers' immediate action and bravery.
"You put yourself in harm's way to save another human being by rescuing him from a burning vehicle," a presenting official said when handing the lifesaving awards. City officials encouraged the public to view a police video of the incident posted on the department's Facebook page.
No formal action beyond recognition was recorded; the council presented small tokens of appreciation and publicly thanked the officers for their service.
