FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Jul 1, 2009

Heroic Rochester Police Department Officer, Lieutenant Honored by their Alma Mater

KEUKA PARK, N.Y.—Rochester Police Department Officer Amy Pfeffer and Lt. Frank Umbrino, who were among the five officers and two lieutenants credited with helping save the life of Officer Anthony DiPonzio, were honored by their alma mater June 30.

Pfeffer and Umbrino, who earned Master of Science degrees in criminal justice administration this year through Keuka College’s Accelerated Studies for Adults Program (ASAP), were recognized at the Chi Alpha Lambda chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) induction ceremony. ASL is the national honor society for adult students.

Pfeffer and Umbrino received plaques for “exemplifying the values and ideals of Keuka College graduates through distinguished service to others above self.”

DiPonzio was shot in the back of the head while on duty Jan. 31.

“While Officer Pfeffer and another officer cared for the Officer DiPonzio in the rear seat of the patrol car, Lt. Umbrino drove another patrol car and led the patrol car with the injured officer safely to the hospital,” said Gary Smith, vice president of professional studies and international programs. “Officer DiPonzio is alive today because of these two people. These officers demonstrated leadership, teamwork, quick thinking, and service above self to ensure that their wounded colleague survived this terrible incident.”

Added Smith: “It is only fitting that at this ceremony, where we recognize and honor our students' accomplishments, we pause and reflect on the actions of these Class of 2009 graduates.”

Keuka College is the national leader in experiential, hands-on learning.

Office of Communications, Keuka College, Keuka Park, New York 14478

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