AMERICAN POLICE BEAT: AUGUST 2017 9 Off to college – thanks to Matt T here are some cops who will never get a chance to save a life dur- ing their careers. Others, be it through the administration of Narcan or heroic feats of derring- do, will save one if not several lives during their time as law enforcement professionals. But if you’re really, really lucky, you might not only get a chance to save a life, but also a chance to see what that means. It’s one thing when the adrenaline’s pumping af- ter you swam a person in distress back to shore. It’s something else entirely to watch the girl you saved graduate from high school before they head off to col- lege. According to multiple media reports, a police officer in New York who helped save a girl who had fallen through some ice six years ago attended her high school graduation in June. When Sarah Thalham- mer strutted across the stage with pride to col- lect her diploma, Suffolk County Police officer Matthew DeMatteo was there watching with a big smile. Back in January 2011, DeMatteo responded to a call about a child who had fallen through ice in Long Island’s Great South Bay. Thalhammer was about 50 yards offshore and stuck in 4 feet of water. DeMatteo raced out to Thalhammer and was pull- ing her to safety when he fell through the ice as well. But other responders were arriving and pulled the pair to safety. It’s unclear if Thalham- mer would have made it without the bravery of Officer DeMatteo and the other responders. What is clear is that she got a chance to graduate high school. Top: Officer Matt DeMatteo and the Thalhammer family pose for pictures after the ceremony. Above: Officer DeMat- teo is feted for his heroics by the Suffolk County PBA. A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. – Joseph Campbell WHETHER YOU’RE DEFENDING FREEDOM OR ENJOYING IT, OUR OPTICS ARE READY FOR ANYTHING. ©2017 Trijicon, Inc. | Wixom, MI USA | 1-800-338-0563 | 17TRIJ12129-R-1/2 | trijicon.com TRIJICON RMR® TYPE 2 What we’ve learned from decades of deployment with America’s greatest fighting forces, we’ve put back into our technology for America’s greatest shooters. • Upgraded electronics for increased survivability • Enhanced ruggedness for the toughest conditions • Easily adjustable windage/elevation • Patented, concave housing shape for increased durability • Ideal for concealed carry and compatible with all RMR mounts • Available now See the new technology at Trijicon.com/RMR.