Officer saves erratic driver's life for Christmas

<p>Officer David Dirienzo spent part of his Christmas Day on patrol in Cortlandt, where he noticed a fast-moving car drifting between lanes on a highway, so he pulled it over -- and soon saved the driver's life.</p>

News 12 Staff

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Dec 29, 2017, 1:17 AM

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Updated 2,519 days ago

Officer David Dirienzo spent part of his Christmas Day on patrol in Cortlandt, where he noticed a fast-moving car drifting between lanes on a highway, so he pulled it over -- and soon saved the driver's life.

"He was slumped over," Dirienzo says. "His face was bright red. He wasn't responding verbally -- he was nodding his head. You can tell he was distressed."

The driver was choking.

Surveillance video shows Dirienzo spring into action and save the driver's life.

His actions helped the man survive to visit his daughter for Christmas and are expected to earn him an award.