Police Officer Saves Life of Man on Railroad Tracks

A Perth Amboy officer is being hailed as a hero after saving a man from being hit by an NJ Transit train.

However, Officer Kevin L. Savoia just says he was doing his job.

"As police officers, our job is to make quick decisions in difficult situations and to act on them. At the end of the day, all that matters is everyone gets home safe," Savoia said. 

"Also at such an early stage of my career, to be able to make an impactful difference in a person's life is incredible and makes me love what I do every day."

According to police, Savoia was dispatched to the railroad tracks shortly before 8:30 a.m. Thursday for a welfare check. As Savoia arrived, a bystander pointed to a man laying on the train tracks. Less than 600 feet away, a train approached at full speed. The officer ran toward the man as he yelled and waved his arms at the train, trying to signal it to stop. Though the train slowed, the man stood firmly in front of the train until the officer directed him to move out the way. Then, he jumped to the side of the tracks. The train stopped just inches from the man.

"Where did you come from?" the man turned to the officer and asked. "Thank you!"

The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office says the man was transported to Raritan Bay Medical Center for further treatment.