GOODYEAR, Ariz. — A Goodyear police officer is being hailed as a hero after suffering serious burns while rescuing a woman trapped inside a burning vehicle following a multi-car crash, 12 News reported.
The officer was returning from Phoenix after booking a suspect when he encountered the fiery scene. The woman inside the vehicle, later identified as the daughter of a Goodyear firefighter, was honking her horn to signal that she was trapped.
According to Goodyear Police, the officer used a multi-tool to break the car window, allowing the woman to kick out the remaining glass. He then pulled her feet-first from the burning car. During the rescue, the officer noticed the woman’s hair was on fire and attempted to put out the flames with his hands, suffering serious burns in the process. He later used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames.
The woman was transported to a burn center in critical condition but is expected to survive. The officer was also hospitalized for his injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.
Goodyear Police Chief Brian Issitt praised the officer’s bravery.
“His quick thinking and fearless actions undoubtedly saved a life that morning,” Issitt said. “We are immensely proud of our officer’s courage.”
