(Credit: Plumstead Police)
A Plumstead Township police officer and a local EMS responder were honored last month for acts of quick thinking, professionalism, and compassion that officials said directly saved lives in two separate emergencies earlier this year.
The Plumstead Township Police Department announced that Officer Patrick Raubenstine was awarded the department’s Life Saving Award, while Elizabeth Rice of Pt. Pleasant–Plumsteadville EMS received the department’s Civilian Recognition Award.
Officer Raubenstine’s life-saving response
Police officials said Raubenstine’s actions on April 26, 2025, went above and beyond the call of duty. While monitoring Bucks County Police Radio around 3:40 p.m., he heard Buckingham Township officers being dispatched to a traffic accident on Redfield Road.
Officer Patrick Raubenstine, right. (Credit: Plumstead Police)Radio transmissions soon escalated: reports indicated that the driver involved in the crash was armed with a knife and attempting to attack residents. As officers on the scene attempted to subdue the suspect, a taser deployment failed, followed by a call of “shots fired” and word that the suspect was down.
Raubenstine, who was training a new officer at the time, immediately responded with lights and sirens, activating his body-worn camera en route. On arrival, he retrieved both his departmental and personal medical kits and joined officers already rendering aid.
According to the department, Raubenstine quickly assessed the suspect’s injuries, identified a “sucking chest wound” consistent with a collapsed lung, and applied a chest seal to the wound. He directed others to carefully roll the suspect onto his side, located an exit wound on the back, and applied a second chest seal.
He continued to provide direct pressure and emergency care until EMS and additional first responders arrived to transport the suspect for advanced treatment.
“His quick and decisive actions in less than ideal conditions assisted in saving the life of another person,” the department said, noting that Raubenstine’s response reflected the department’s core values of dedication, integrity, fairness, and courage.
Civilian award for Elizabeth Rice
The department also honored Rice, a member of Pt. Pleasant–Plumsteadville EMS, with the Civilian Recognition Award for her assistance during a medical emergency on June 12, 2025.
EMT Elizabeth Rice (Credit: Plumstead Police)After completing an overnight shift, Rice was on her way home around 5:56 a.m. when police and EMS were dispatched to a report of a woman in active labor in the parking lot of the Plumsteadville Pub. Sgt. Rutecki was first on scene and observed the woman’s water had broken and the baby’s head was crowning.
Rice, who heard the dispatch, responded in her personal vehicle and immediately offered help. She assessed the situation, reassured the patient, and instructed her to push. On the second push, the baby was safely delivered.
Police said Rice coordinated EMS transport for the mother and infant while providing immediate care to the newborn. Her “extraordinary composure, leadership and compassion” were cited as critical to the successful outcome.
“Her assistance was critical in the successful birth of a newborn and the care of a new mother,” the department stated. “Liz’s actions demonstrated her true professionalism, and she is a credit to our community and Pt. Pleasant–Plumsteadville EMS.”
Department commends both honorees
In announcing the awards, Plumstead Township Police said it is their policy to commend officers and civilians who go beyond routine expectations in service to the community.
“Officer Raubenstine proved to be a great asset to this department and to the residents we serve,” the department said. “Elizabeth Rice’s assistance was a reminder of the dedication and skill of our EMS partners.”
Both recipients were recognized last month at a ceremony celebrating their efforts
