10 Sep 2023 2 min to read
For his heroic act, a TLC licensed driver Lhakpa Rinji honored with a Bravery Medal and Hero Award in New York. Lhakpabravely extinguished a car fire outside the LaGuardia Airport terminal on August 22. New York State and airport authorities bestowed him with a Hero Award and Bravery Medal for fearlessly saving travelers and fellow drivers. Lhakpa was from Solukhmbu district, where the famous Everest region lies. He currently resides in New Jersey, USA.
Lhakpa was felicitated with a Hero Award by Jenifer Rajkurmar, a member of the New York State Assembly, and a Bravery Medal by Anthony C. Vero, the Airport General Manager. At an event hosted by the GPK Foundation Americas, many important people, like Congresswoman Grace Meng, Assembly Member Jessica Gonzales Rojas, and NYC Council member Shekhar Krishnan, praised his bravery.
Lhakpa has his background as a flight attendant and his dedication to helping people by risking his life in danger was appreciated by his fellow drivers. While in Nepal in 1996, he received the Daivik Pidit Uddar Padak Award for his role in a rescue operation.
Pemba Tenzing Sherpa, who leads the Sherpa Foundation, highlighted that Lhakpa Rinji’s swift action to extinguish the fire and ensure people’s safety at LaGuardia Airport was inspired by his previous experience in risky rescue missions.
Steven Raga, a New York State Assemblymember applauded him as a great member of the community. He identifies Lhakpa as an exemplary model of professionalism and dedication. Steven even stated that they are truly fortunate to have Lhakpa as a valued member of the community.
Photo Courtesy: The Himalayan Times