Ohio Officer Praised for Pulling Man from Burning Truck

The Columbus (Ohio) Division of Police released dramatic body camera video Monday of officers rescuing a man from his burning pick-up truck last week.

A man identifying himself as Randy called 911 dispatchers saying his pick-up truck had slammed into a highway pillar around 4:30 a.m. and had caught fire after having brake troubles.

At one point during the six-minute 911 call, the man asks the dispatcher to send a message to his wife, fearful he won't walk away alive.

But less than a minute later, Columbus Police arrived on the scene. As officers try to determine how to pull the victim to safety, Officer Gloria West races to the burning truck, ABC7 Chicago reports.

West can be heard on her body-worn camera telling fellow officers, "I am not going to leave him in there."

Fraternal Order of Police Capital Lodge #9 President Brian Steel praised Officer West for her decisiveness and courage, ABC6 reports. "She went in there, despite the dangers, got burned herself. Opened the door, was able to pull this individual out, all the officers dragged him to safety and then the car exploded."

Randy is now in intensive care at OSU Wexner Medical Center and is listed in fair condition.

Officer West was treated for minor burns and is expected to be OK.




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