Find out what's happening in South Brunswickwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“When the EMTs arrived, I told them my back was broken and that they had to use the Kendric Extrication Device or KED to remove me from the vehicle,” Sherwen said.

“Using the KED is time-consuming, tedious. It’s a horrible thing to have to put on somebody. But it could save them from being paralyzed.”

Sherwen was then informed that the KED was used the previous night and it was still at the hospital.

A member of the Kingston First Aid Squad offered to rush to the hospital and get the KED. “But another officer there said they couldn’t wait because the highway had to be reopened,” Sherwen recalled.

That’s when Officer Jim Ryan of the South Brunswick Police Department stepped in. “He told everyone present that if I need a KED, to go get it, while the highway will remain closed. He allowed that highway to stay closed for the gentleman to bring the equipment and remove me with it,” Sherwen said.

“That decision Jim made prevented me from being paralyzed for life.”

Ryan, a veteran of the South Brunswick Police Department, currently serves as the Deputy Police Chief.

Ryan has also been an EMT and his family has a history of serving in the local EMT. “It makes perfect sense to me that he understood the importance of removing me on a KED instead of just pulling me out on a backboard,” Sherwan said.

After the crash, Sherwen spent years in recovery – going to rehab, surgery and therapy. At the time, she was a resident of Somerset, NJ. “I always meant to return to South Brunswick and thank Jim for saving my life. But between hospital, rehab and work, 26 years just passed by,” Sherwen said.

Recently, she met a police officer from Franklin Township and during a conversation he brought up the crash. “When I told him about the crash, the officer looked me right in eye and asked if it was Jim Ryan responsible for saving my life. I was shocked,” Sherwen said. “I asked the office how he knew that Ryan was the one and he said it sounded like something only Jim Ryan would do. That’s when I made up my mind to visit the police department and thank him personally.”

So, 26 years after the crash, Sherwen visited the South Brunswick Police Department to meet Ryan and thank him personally.

“God had the right people on the scene that day, especially Officer Ryan, who made that decision to use the KED and keep the highway closed. I know it’s 26 years delayed, but he has always been on my mind,” said Sherwen, now a retired Corporate Safety and Emergency Response Manager.

Ryan was humbled by Sherwen’s visit.

“When I became a police officer, I just wanted to help people and make a difference. It is very humbling to have someone came back 26 years later to say thank you. I know I have been blessed to have a career in a great community and police department,” Ryan told Patch.

“I tell the officers everyday that they are making a difference and having this woman come back to visit just shows it. I am very grateful she took the time to stop by.”

This is not an isolated incident. Recently Lt. Mike Pellino recevived a letter from a woman he helped 20 years ago.

The woman acknowledged the care and compassion he showed her during the toughest days of her life, allowing her to overcome an abusive relationship.

Her letter noted that his actions gave her the strength to take her children and move out. She moved out of state and raised two successful adult children, the police department said.

Chief Raymond Hayducka is proud of the work his officers put in every day.

“I always talk about the outstanding work of all the men and women on our department. I tell them not to believe all the negative headlines about police nationwide,” Hayducka said.

“The majority of people support police officers and are thankful for all we do. These two incidents highlight how long memories are for the work we do.”

Have a correction or a news tip? Email [email protected]

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.