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Westfield Police Officer Donald Perkins became a hero on June 16 when he came to the rescue of Rachel Harth on her big day.
Harth, who was about to marry her soulmate in the same chapel where her parents tied the knot 33 years ago, encountered an unexpected hurdle when her limousine broke down in the middle of a downpour.
“The police were just like lifesavers!” Harth’s mother, Luanne, said in an interview with Patch.
Hailing from Westfield herself, Harth was en route to the James Ward Mansion along with her mother and four bridesmaids after their hair and makeup were elegantly done.
From there, they planned to head to First Methodist Church to exchange vows.
Despite the pouring rain, the entourage was cruising in a spacious 18-person limo along Elm Street. However, their luck took a turn when the driver attempted a K-turn and reversed into a side street.
“It went awry when we heard an awful metallic sound — the drive shaft had snapped in half,” Luanne recounted.
As the driver inspected the damage under the limo, Westfield Police happened to pass by, drawn to the scene due to the traffic disruption caused by the breakdown.
While engaging in a conversation with the officers, the groomsmen’s limo pulled up, offering a solution to their predicament. They decided to pile into the available vehicle to ensure they reached their destination on time.
Officer Perkins, displaying kindness and chivalry, gallantly held an umbrella and escorted the bride, her mother and the bridesmaids into the substitute limo, shielding them from the rain.
“With Officer Perkins’ assistance, we managed to stay dry while boarding,” Luanne gratefully acknowledged.
A bridesmaid named Madde Cohen from Fanwood captured the heartwarming moment on video, in which the entire bridal party can be heard joyously singing
“Going to the Chapel of Love by The Dixie Cups.
Though the chain of events proved stressful and traumatic in the moment, Luanne said that everything else turned out “perfect” in the end.
The bridal party also extended their gratitude to the police for their role in salvaging their special day.
“I always maintain that the Westfield Police Department is much more than just a
‘law enforcement’ agency. Our officers assist people every day with all sorts of problems … and many of those problems have absolutely nothing at all to do with ‘enforcing the law,’” stated Westfield Police Chief Christopher Battiloro.
“Officer Perkins’ actions exemplify the daily dedication of our officers, and I am continually gratified to witness the positive impact they have on our community.”
Westfield is located in Union County, New Jersey, just southwest of Manhattan.
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