Amtrak PD recognizes Urrea for saving man from train

LODI — The Amtrak Police Department presented Lodi Police Officer Erika Urrea with its Life Saving Medal on Monday for her actions that saved a man’s life seconds before he would have been hit by an oncoming freight train in August.

Urrea, a 14-year veteran of the Lodi Police Department, was honored at the Lodi Police Station during an award ceremony hosted by APD and California Operation Lifesaver, a nonprofit railroad safety education organization.

On Aug. 12, Urrea saw a man in a wheelchair stuck on the railroad tracks near Lodi Avenue while she was patrolling the area. As the crossing gates were coming down, Urrea got out of her patrol car and ran to assist.

After unsuccessfully attempting to free the wheelchair, she physically pulled the man out of the chair and the two fell backwards just a few feet away from the oncoming 250ton freight train locomotive with seconds to spare.

The 66-year-old man is recovering from serious injuries to both of his legs as a result of the incident.

“This incident had the makings of a double tragedy had it not been for the extraordinary courage and quick actions of Officer Urrea,” Amtrak Police Chief Sam Dotson said. “The citizens of Lodi are very fortunate to have a public servant like this on duty in their community. The ‘Life Saving Medal’ recognizes her bravery in saving a fellow human being without hesitation for her own safety.”