A Heroic Rescue by a New York State Police K-9 Handler
In a remarkable act of bravery, a New York State Police K-9 handler is being celebrated as a hero after successfully rescuing a four-year-old Amish girl from a runaway buggy. Although this incident occurred back in May and received limited media coverage at the time, recent reports have highlighted the trooper’s courageous efforts.
Image: Don Burke
According to reports from the Sun Community News, on May 16, Trooper James T. Egan Jr. was patrolling along Route 95 in Moira when he observed a speeding Amish wagon. The horse pulling the wagon appeared uncontrollable, weaving through intersections with a young child, only four years old, inside the vehicle.
Realizing the potential danger to both the child and the public, Trooper Egan attempted to intervene by using his patrol vehicle to block the wagon’s path. Despite multiple attempts, the horse continued to evade control. Undeterred, Trooper Egan guided the runaway wagon onto a grassy area. When the horse refused to stop, the trooper bravely jumped out of his vehicle and grabbed the reins, risking his safety to halt the runaway.
The horse and wagon finally came to a sudden stop when the trooper was pinned between a tree and the vehicle. Despite minor injuries and pain, Trooper Egan immediately checked on the young girl, ensuring her safety and well-being. Thankfully, the child has since recovered and returned to her family. Authorities have praised Trooper Egan’s exemplary actions, which likely saved the child’s life.
It’s hard to imagine that stopping a runaway buggy was part of Trooper Egan’s routine that day, but his quick thinking and courageous response made all the difference. We are grateful for his dedication and heroism.
Not the First of Its Kind
This incident is not an isolated case. In 2020, a Pennsylvania State Trooper successfully stopped a runaway Amish buggy, rescuing a three-year-old girl trapped inside. While details are limited, images show Sergeant Lee Bunyak carrying the young girl after the rescue:
Similarly, last year in Kentucky, an unidentified individual intervened to stop a horse-and-buggy that was racing uncontrollably, though that vehicle was empty at the time. There’s also a story from Wisconsin where a horse bolted with a baby inside the carriage, but thankfully, the animal was found two hours later, unharmed.
These incidents remind us of the unpredictable dangers faced by those in Amish communities and the bravery of those who step in to protect vulnerable lives. Update: Recently, footage of the Moira incident has been released. The video, though slightly frightening, is not graphic, and it provides a clear view of the young girl. Bystanders can be seen approaching Trooper Egan afterward, congratulating him on his quick and courageous actions.