The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Police Department recognized 64 MTA Police Officers for outstanding performance in the line of duty and three civilians for heroic actions. All were honored at the MTA's 10th annual MTA Police Department Awards Ceremony, held at New York University.

"We are grateful for the work that MTA Police Officers do to keep our railroad customers and the general public safe and secure," said Elliot G. Sander, MTA Executive Director and CEO. "These awards are a small way for the MTA to recognize the commitment, energy and bravery of those who put themselves in harm's way every day."

Today's ceremony included the following:

* A Medal of Merit was presented to Sgt. Gilbert Machado, Officer Paul Carufe and Officer Domingo Ojeda for their outstanding personal bravery at a fire in Ossining, N.Y., on November 22, 2007. The three officers spotted an apartment building being engulfed in smoke and flames, rushed into the building and went door-to-door to safely evacuate all residents.

* A Medal of Merit was presented to Officer Michael Arcati for outstanding personal bravery in apprehending a robbery suspect in Brooklyn on January 11, 2007. While on patrol at the Long Island Rail Road's East New York Station, a woman approached Officer Arcati and said she had just been robbed by a man who had displayed a handgun. Officer Arcati canvassed the area, identified a suspect and chased him on foot. While Officer Arcati was apprehending the suspect, the suspect tried to remove a gun from his waistband, but Officer Arcati managed to take the suspect into custody and recover the stolen property.

* Chief of Police Civilian Commendations were awarded to Cliff Archer and Deborah Wygand, Long Island Rail Road passengers who saved the life of a fellow passenger on January 29, 2007. As their Babylon Branch morning rush-hour train was approaching Penn Station, a passenger had a heart attack. Mr. Archer, a volunteer firefighter and EMT, and Ms. Wygand, a retired nurse, performed CPR, regaining the pulse and breathing of the stricken passenger before the train arrived at Penn Station.