Philadelphia

Viral Train Derailment Rescue Photo Connects Parents of Hero Officer and Victim

Since Tuesday's Amtrak derailment killed eight people and injured hundreds of others, many photos have surfaced online capturing the chaos and horror of the night. Yet numerous photos have also showcased the heroism of the first responders who put their lives on the line to rescue the victims of the accident. One such photo has resonated with viewers so much that it's been shared tens of thousands of times around the world.

The picture, from local photographer Joseph Kaczmarek, shows three Philadelphia police officers rushing from the scene carrying an injured victim unable to walk. After TV news anchor Greta Van Susteren posted the photo on her Facebook page, the mother of one of the officers in the picture commented on it.

 
(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));

SHARE this if you agree with me! I want this pic going viral - our police deserve this going viral!This pic is from...

Posted by Greta Van Susteren on Wednesday, May 13, 2015

“That’s my son on the right! #CallofDuty. #MyHero,” wrote Julia Anne Adkins.

Dozens of commenters then chimed in, showing their support. But one comment from a stranger posted five hours later stood out the most.

“Thank you for having such a wonderful, caring son,” wrote Nicholas Ritrivi Sr. “He is carrying our son! Give him our undying thanks!”

It was a poignant online meeting between the mother of the rescuer and the father of the rescued, and a reminder of a photograph's potential to stir hope in the midst of tragedy.
 

Contact Us