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Long Branch man commended after pulling woman from car on train tracks
Summary
The Long Branch City Council presented a formal commendation Feb. 25 to Thomas Bower for pulling an unconscious woman from a car stalled on train tracks Jan. 29, an action the police described as “selfless and heroic.”
Thomas Bower was publicly commended by the Long Branch City Council on Feb. 25 for pulling an unconscious woman from a vehicle stuck on train tracks on Jan. 29, an act the police said likely saved her life.
Captain Sario, who identified himself as the officer in charge for Long Branch, told the council he watched body‑worn video of the incident and urged the city to recognize Bower. Reading the official commendation, the captain said the rescuer “face[d] danger headon without hesitation, putting your own safety at risk to save a complete stranger.” The commendation says the woman underwent multiple surgeries and had recently been discharged from the hospital.
Bower stood at the dais as the council presented the award and accepted applause from the audience. He responded briefly, saying “Thank you,” as council members and the mayor thanked him and his family for the rescue.
Mayor Palone and other council members praised both the citizen and the first responders for their roles in the response. The presentation concluded with the council formally recognizing Bower’s actions and inviting the public to acknowledge the rescue.
The council’s public record does not include detailed medical updates about the woman; the commendation notes only that she had been hospitalized and had multiple surgeries.
