Goshen officer Brian Kelly honored for saving lives

GOSHEN — Goshen Police Officer Brian Kelly received an award recognizing his role in saving lives.
The calm, quick-thinking of Kelly in July of this year helped save the lives of an elderly couple before their car burst into flames on Route 17 East in Goshen, said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, who hosted the inaugural Meritorious Service Awards reception on Nov. 7 at the Graham Skea Lodge at Stony Ford Golf Course in Montgomery.
Kelly was off-duty at the time of the incident.
Awards were presented in the following categories: police, fire, emergency and military service.
“Orange County has a rich tradition of public service and volunteerism,” Neuhaus said. “This event provided an opportunity to honor our first responders who work hard every day to keep the County safe. The awards recognized individuals that exemplify dedication and selflessness for the greater good of our communities. Our first responders and military personnel deserve this recognition and I look forward to making the reception an annual event.”
Brendan Casey, Orange County Commissioner of Emergency Services and a 30-year State Police veteran, said it is always an honor to recognize exemplary service.
“The men and women who commit their lives to public service as first responders don’t do it for awards or accolades, they do it because they have answered a call to serve their communities,” he said. "Their hard work and dedication make our County a safer and better place to live and work.”
For list of honorees, please see sidebar.