Crime & Safety
Howard, Carroll County Police Officers Recognized for Valor
Two officers who worked to save a young woman from a burning vehicle in January were recognized by local officials.
On Jan. 11, 18-year-old Casey Marie Bellofatto's car crossed the double yellow line on Route 97 near Sykesville and hit another vehicle head-on before turning over and starting on fire.
Cpl. Craig Ream, an 11-year veteran of the Howard County police department happened upon the scene on his way to work and crawled under the hood of the burning car to rescue Bellofatto.
After pulling the woman from the burning car, Ream and Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy Cpl. Gunnar Burdt carried her up a hill and away from the vehicle.
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Earlier this week the two officers were recognized by local officials for their courage and valor in saving the young woman's life.
Howard County Chief of Police William McMahon joined Carroll County Sheriff Kenneth Tregoning, Delegate Susan Krebs and the Board of Carroll County Commissioners in recognizing the two officers.
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Carroll County government provided the attached video of the event.
Related:
- Howard County Police Officer Pulls Teen From Burning Car
- Report: Teen Pulled from Burning Car Released from Shock Trauma
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