Firefighters, officer rescue driver from burning vehicle after an accident
By: A dramatic rescue to save a driver from a burning vehicle was caught on camera.
Prince George’s County Fire & EMS released dash cam video Tuesday of the fiery scene at Route 50 E and Interstate 97 in Anne Arundel County. Officials said firefighters Jarid Badger and Mitchell Owen of Ambulance 806 were on their way to transport a patient when they came across the multi-vehicle collision before 1 p.m. on Monday.
Cpl. Brian Ranck of Anne Arundel Co. Police was already at the scene by the time the PGFD ambulance arrived.
"This graphic video shows the heroic actions of the PGFD crew and an @aacopd officer," Prince George's County fire officials said in a tweet.
Ranck is seen using what appeared to be a baton to smash the driver side window of the pickup truck. His body camera captured one of the responders using his elbow to completely smash out the rest of the glass.
It took a few seconds before they could open the door and remove his seatbelt. The body camera footage later showed all three pulling out the driver, who was unconscious, and carrying him away from the scene.
The Anne Arundel County Fire Department took care of the driver while the PGFD responders finished their transport of the other patient.
"They feel that doing the job is all the thanks they need, and they're pretty humble folks, and we're pretty proud of what they did," Prince George's County Fire & EMS Department Public Information Director Alan Doubleday said. "It's heartbreaking at the beginning, but in the end, when you see them pull a victim out, it's an incredible story of being at the right place at the right time."
The fire department plans to formally recognize Badger and Owen, who both make up only five years on the job.