(Harrisburg) -- The state Capitol's Christmas tree has been lit for the first time. The governor used the event to thank the state’s first responders for all they did during the storms and flooding over the past year. Governor Corbett and First Lady Susan Corbett lit the Capitol Christmas tree with the help of 15-year-old Colin Vengen, who state troopers transported by helicopter during the floods of Tropical Storm Lee so that he could get a liver transplant. Colin’s mother, Tiffany Harkins, says she can’t believe her son is with her and healthy. "They got us there in record time," she says. "He was able to get the transplant done. " Colin says, "Thank God. I am glad that the state troopers came along and helped us out with that because without them, I don’t know what would have happened." State Police Corporal Paul Roy helped fly Vengen out to Philadelphia. He says he looked at Colin’s mother’s face right after her son pushed the button to light up the Christmas tree. "Right then, she said, 'Thank you,'" he recalled. "So, you go through your whole career in law enforcement or just a first responder and very rarely you hear the 'Thank yous,' but this is a real important one for us." The tree will be on display in the Capitol Rotunda until January 7th.