Lieutenant John Lambert - A Gallant Police Officer Saves Lives

Lieutenant John Lambert, a Brooklyn Heights police officer in Ohio, USA, displayed the highest example of unconditional love by putting another’s life ahead of his own. During a snowstorm, he responded to a call for help from 18-year-old student Mariusz Trzeciak, who had crashed into a highway barrier because of icy conditions on the road. While assisting the young driver, the experienced and vigilant lieutenant also kept an eye on the surroundings. That’s when he saw another car spinning on ice and out of control heading toward Mr. Trzeciak. Without thinking, Lieutenant Lambert immediately turned and pushed Mr. Trzeciak out of the way and was then struck himself by the oncoming vehicle. Thanks to the heroic police officer’s timely intervention, Mr. Trzeciak emerged with only minor scratches while Lieutenant Lambert was hospitalized with a hip fracture, and fortunately is now in a stable condition. The driver of the other car also was unharmed.

Mr. Trzeciak later said, “If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have seen it . . . . You can’t thank him enough . . . it’s great that he was able to think of someone else in such a situation. I mean, he didn’t have a lot of time to think of somebody else. It is really extraordinary.”

The remarkable rescue was captured on the lieutenant’s dashboard camera and is inspiring goodness in people worldwide. For his outstanding bravery and selfless act of sacrifice, Supreme Master Ching Hai honored Lieutenant John Lambert with the Shining World Hero Award, which was presented to him by our Association members on June 14, Golden Year 7 (2010). Master also gave him US$1,000 to help with medical expenses.

We join in deep gratitude, Lieutenant John Lambert, for your selfless caring actions to save Mr. Trzeciak. Wishing you a speedy and full recovery with many celebrations of life for you both.

Receipt from Lieutenant John Lambert for Master’s US$1,000 contribution