NEWS: After Boston bombing, RI Trooper ran into the heart of “mass devastation”

Rhode Island State Trooper Roupen Bastajian. Photo by Carolyn Cronin, WPRO News.

By Carolyn Cronin and Kim Kalunian, WPRO News

Rhode Island State Trooper Roupen Bastajian has been hailed as a hero for his actions the day of the Boston Marathon bombings. On Monday, Bastajian recounted his story for members of the press. 

Bastajian had just finished the 26.2 mile race and was seeking medical attention for exhaustion when the first blast went off.

“It didn’t register at that time in my brain, or anyone else’s around me,” he said. 

When the second blast went off only seconds later, Bastajian said it became clear what was happening. 

“I remember just… running towards where everyone was coming away from,” he said. 

Despite his exhaustion, Bastajian instantly sprang into action, first helping to clear a path for a rescue making its way to the victims.

“When that happened, adrenaline kicked in, and you just know you have to do it,” he said. “I think God gives you the strength to do the right thing, and I was able to react based on that.”

He described the scene as “mass devastation,” and told the story of one victim, who had both of his legs severed. Bastajian said he and another man used gauze to create tourniquets, and told the man he was going to be alright. 

After he helped several injured, he approached a woman to borrow her cell phone so he could call his wife, who was at home with his three children. But when he went to take the phone, he realized his hands were covered in blood. Bastajian’s wife and children were supposed to be with him at the marathon, but stayed home to look after a friend’s child.

Bastajian, 35, is a former Marine, and was running his first marathon on April 15. Bastajian’s badge number is 117, and he said he was inspired to run this year’s race because it was the 117^th Boston Marathon.

Bastajian was honored with the Rhode Island State Police Service Ribbon, the highest honor bestowed upon a sworn member of the Rhode Island State Police. According to a spokesman from the State Police, the ribbon is “awarded for service marked by heroism, bravery, self-sacrifice and action above and beyond the call of duty.”