Suffolk Officers to Reunite with Man They Saved from Burning Vehicle

The officers will gather at police headquarters in Yaphank to honor their heroic actions.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A group of Suffolk police officers will be reunited at a special ceremony on Wednesday at the Yaphank police headquarters with Kervens Lesperance, the man they saved from a burning vehicle after a crash in Holtsville last year. The officers worked together to extinguish the blaze and pull the unconscious and trapped Lesperance to safety.

Why it matters

This story highlights the bravery and quick thinking of the Suffolk police officers who risked their own safety to rescue a man from a burning vehicle, demonstrating the important role law enforcement plays in protecting the community.

The details

According to police, Lesperance was involved in a motor vehicle crash on southbound Nicolls Road on November 24 at 11:20 p.m. His Jeep Cherokee struck an overpass, flipped over, and caught fire. Highway Patrol Officers Craig Capobianco, Robert Rosciano, K-9 handlers, officers Michael Renna and Robert Stroehlein, as well as 6th Precinct Officer Joseph Nofi worked together to extinguish the blaze and free Lesperance, who was unconscious and pinned inside the vehicle.

  • The incident occurred on November 24, 2025 at 11:20 p.m.
  • The reunion ceremony will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at police headquarters in Yaphank.

The players

Kervens Lesperance

The man who was rescued from the burning vehicle by the Suffolk police officers.

Craig Capobianco

A Suffolk Highway Patrol Officer who helped rescue Lesperance from the burning vehicle.

Robert Rosciano

A Suffolk Highway Patrol Officer who helped rescue Lesperance from the burning vehicle.

Michael Renna

A Suffolk police officer who helped rescue Lesperance from the burning vehicle.

Robert Stroehlein

A Suffolk police officer who helped rescue Lesperance from the burning vehicle.

Joseph Nofi

A Suffolk 6th Precinct Officer who helped rescue Lesperance from the burning vehicle.

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What’s next

The officers will be honored at a special ceremony at the Yaphank police headquarters on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates the bravery and quick thinking of Suffolk police officers, who put their own safety at risk to rescue a man trapped in a burning vehicle, highlighting the important role law enforcement plays in protecting the community.