KATHMANDU:

New York State authorities have honoured Lhakpa Rinji Sherpa with the 'Hero Award' for his incredible bravery at LaGuardia Airport.

Amidst a function in New York today, Lhapa Rinji from Solukhumbu district has been given the hero award and bravery medal by the New York State and airport authorities.

On August 22, Lhakpa, a TLC licensed driver, extinguished the blaze after a car burst into flames outside the LaGuardia Airport terminal. 'Lhakpa courageously saved travelers and his fellow drivers when he extinguished a vehicle fire at the airport terminal,' New York State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkurmar stated honouring Lhakpa with the 'Hero Award'.

Airport General Manager Anthony C Vero also presented a bravery medal to Lhakpa for his courage and determination. 'Lhakpa has saved many lives putting his own life at risk,' fellow yellow cab drivers said.

During the event orgainsed by GPK Foundation Americas, Congresswoman Grace Meng, Assembly Member Jessica Gonzales Rojas, Assemblyman Steven Raga, NYC Council member Shekhar Krishnan and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander among other high-profile officials lauded Lhakpa's courage and bravery.

'Lhakpa is an exemplary member of the community and he provides mobility to everyone where they need to be and when they need to be there,' the proclamation offered by Jenifer Rajkumar read.

As all drivers admire Lhakpa for his bravery, declaring him their hero, the duly elected member of the New York City Council Shekhar Krishnan recognized Lhakpa as an outstanding citizen, one who is worthy of the esteem of both the community and the New York City.

New York State Assembly has stated in its citation that Lhakpa Rinji has showcased numerous valuable contributions and dedicated efforts during his tenure as the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the United Sherpa Association and president of the Himalayan Golf Association, New York. 'His commitment to excellence and his willingness to engage in meaningful work as a Medallion owner and driver of the New York City Yellow Cab has not gone unnoticed,' the duly elected member of the State Assembly of New York Steven Raga said.

Lhakpa Rinji has also demonstrated commitment to public service, both in his past roles as a flight attendant in Nepal and through the Daivik Pidit Uddar Padak Award during the rescue operation in Nepal in 1996.

'His past experiences in working with the airport authorities and high altitude rescue missions in Nepal have also inspired him to take a risk in times of crisis at LaGuardia Airport,' Pemba Tenzing Sherpa, President of Sherpa Foundation, commented. The sight of the smoke frightened travelers and drivers at the airport terminal but Lhakpa Rinji, who lives in New Jersey, immediately jumped and extinguished the blaze in minutes, and no one was injured, Sherpa shared.

As Lhakpa Rinji serves as an exemplary model of professionalism and dedication, the New York State Assembly member Steven said, 'We are truly fortunate to have him as a valued member of our community.'