CLARK, N.J. — Three Clark police officers are being recognized for their actions after rescuing a man trapped inside a burning vehicle, Patch reported.
According to the Clark Police Department, Sergeant Pedro Oliveria, Officer Teriq Ricks and Officer Giovannina Prisco responded on May 12 to a single-vehicle crash. Upon arrival, they found the car engulfed in flames with the driver unable to escape.
Body-camera video released by police shows the officers attempting to communicate with the trapped man as smoke and fire intensified. Despite suffering from smoke inhalation, the officers repeatedly encouraged the driver to crawl toward them while attempting to break the windows.
“Grab my hand. Grab my hand. Grab me,” one officer can be heard shouting. After several efforts, one officer crawled partially into the car to reach the victim.
“I got you brother. I got you,” an officer says, as they finally make contact with the driver.
Working together, the officers pulled the man free just moments before the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. The rescue took under four minutes.
The 46-year-old driver was treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital. His condition has not been publicly released.
“These officers demonstrated extraordinary bravery under life-threatening conditions,” said Captain Miguel Acabou, officer-in-charge of the Clark Police Department. “Their decisive actions and commitment to protecting the lives of others exemplify the very best of our profession.”
All three officers suffered minor injuries and were treated for smoke inhalation.
