Vacationing Morris County Cop Couple Rescue Skier In Montana

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ - In some jobs, you are never off duty. That was the case for Wharton Police Detective Richard Ornelas and his wife, Detective Sgt. Christina Kovacs of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office who are credited with saving the life of a teenage skier while on vacation in Montana.

Ornelas and Kovacs were vacationing with their family at the Big Sky Resort on March 15 when they came upon a 19-year-old who had suffered a dangerous break and was found bleeding profusely from a lacerated arm after crashing into a metal bridge, officials said.

“I could not be more proud of these two law enforcement processionals and I commend them for their actions," Morris County Sheriff James Gannon said. "They epitomize what it means to serve others during their time of need. Not only were they medically equipped, but they used their expertise and advanced training to save a life, and those actions are truly commendable.”

The law enforcement duo were on the south side of the resort mountain, where they found the skier lying face down in the snow, unable to move.

Ornelas and Kovacs realized she had a significant laceration to her upper left arm, with a bone exposed and uncontrolled bleeding – all resulting from her crashing into a metal bridge while navigating down the mountain, officials said.

Ornelas, a former Marine, was carrying a multi-tool and trauma first aid kit on his belt, and the duo immediately worked to stop the bleeding and to stabilize the skier.

While other members of their family went to notify Big Sky Ski Patrol, the duo applied a tourniquet and a hemostatic gauze to the victim’s arm. They managed to control the bleeding as the ski patrol arrived, and the two law enforcement officers continued to assist as the skier was prepared for transportation down the mountain.

She ultimately was transported to a nearby medical facility.

“There clearly is no such thing as being off-duty for the officers and first responders we have here in Morris County. In this case, we have a couple enjoying an out-of-state skiing vacation with their family, and yet they had the composure, training and dedication as public servants to spring into action when they found a seriously injured woman on the slopes," Morris County Board of County Commissioners Director Stephen H. Shaw said. "Because they also carry with them some basic first-aid equipment, Detective Ornelas and Sgt. Kovacs were able to provide life-saving medical attention until help arrived. We commend them and those who trained them.”

Wharton Police Chief David Young also praised the law enforcement couple, and noted that Ornelas has been recognized for past heroic actions.

In February 2019, the detective was attacked from behind by a man who tried to strike him in the head with a metal pipe. When warned by his partner, Ornelas was quick enough to raise his left arm to protect his head, although the metal pipe shattered a bone in his forearm.

Despite the injury and pain, Ornelas and his partner took the suspect into custody without further injury to anyone, Young said. He was honored with the 2020 Morris County 200 Club Valor Award.

Kovacs, who is a member of the Morris County Office of Emergency Managements Special Operations Group, also was previously honored for her actions in aiding a shooting victim in July 2019. Kovacs had responded to the scene of a gunman who had barricaded himself in a residence, where another man had been shot multiple times.

Sheriff Gannon said Sgt. Kovacs eventually entered the residence and provided assistance that saved the life of the shooting victim.

“I join both Sheriff Gannon and Chief Young in commending both officers for their lifesaving actions,” said Commander of the Special Operations Group Jeffrey Paul. “We take great pride in providing the Morris County law enforcement and all of our first responders with quality training that makes a difference in the lives of many."

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