The daring rescue was caught on tape as a Texas trooper fought against the clock to free a trapped driver from a flaming vehicle.#Texas #News #PlanoTX #Rescue
PLANO, TXEarlier this month, a Texastrooper put everything on the line to rescue a driver trapped in a flaming car in a dramatic and life-saving incident. As the car caught fire, Trooper Cody Durham hurried to the scene and pulled the driver to safety, according to video footage made public by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The bravery and prompt decision-making of first responders in the face of danger have been highlighted by the remarkable act that took place in the early hours of January 9.
A Routine Patrol Turns Into a Race Against Time
Trooper Cody Durham saw smoke coming from a collision on the northbound side of the Dallas Tollway just after 2:20 a.m. on January 9 as he was patrolling southbound on the freeway near Spring Creek Parkway in Plano. Durham took immediate action, getting out and turning around to arrive at the spot.
In a DPS-released video, Durham recounted, “I turned around and took the closest exit possible, and by the time I got there, the vehicle had caught on fire.”
Durham’s dashboard and body cameras recorded the dramatic rescue as things quickly got out of hand.
A Desperate Plea for Help
Durham heard the voice of the trapped driver yelling, “Help me,” as he got closer to the flaming debris.
Durham gave an impassioned response, “I’m trying.” Do you feel any pain?
As the flames grew, Durham was seen in the footage straining to rescue the driver. As he battled to preserve the man’s life, the officer’s resolve remained unwavering.
Durham later remarked, “I think that once I started pulling him, that was going to be the only way to get him out, so I just kept pulling and pulling until we were out of the car.”
Team Effort Saves a Life
Durham, who was initially by alone at the scene, dragged the driver as far away from the flaming car as he could, bringing him closer to the highway shoulder.
When I was the only person there at first, I attempted to move him back as far from the automobile as I could and to get as close to the shoulder as I could, so that we could carry him, he explained.
Durham and others are shown on camera transferring the man to a safer area after more rescuers arrived. The Plano Fire Department put out the fire, and Plano EMS sent the driver to Medical City Plano for treatment.
Durham was taken to Plano Presbyterian Hospital as well, where he received treatment for smoke inhalation before being allowed to go.
Recognition for Heroic Actions
Durham was commended by DPS North Texas Regional Director Jeremy Sherrod for his courage and promptness.
In a statement, Sherrod added, “Trooper Durham bravely stepped in to save a life, proving the true essence of our commitment to the safety of Texans.”
In addition to preventing disaster, his prompt decision-making and altruistic deed confirmed our conviction that committed law enforcement personnel have a significant influence on the lives of people they protect.
Durham’s valiant deeds are a striking illustration of the dangers police officers face on a regular basis in order to serve and protect their communities. We are grateful for people like Trooper Durham.
Associated Topics: Texas Rescues and Accidents
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