A remarkable video captured by the Texas Department of Public Safety showcases the heroic actions of a state trooper as he rescues a man trapped inside a blazing vehicle.
Trooper Cody Durham was driving on the opposite side of the Dallas North Tollway near Spring Creek Parkway at around 2:20 a.m. on Jan. 9. As he was driving, he noticed a car emitting smoke. Without wasting any time, he quickly turned around to investigate. Unfortunately, by the time he reached the scene, the car had already been consumed by flames.
Durham raced towards the scene as fast as he could when he spotted the nearest exit. In a video released by DPS, which included his body camera and dashboard camera footage from that night, Durham explained, “I took the nearest exit possible and turned around and got there as quick as I could, and by the time I arrived, the vehicle had caught on fire.”
Durham wasted no time in springing into action to rescue the driver.
The motorist called out to Durham, pleading for help as he approached.
“I believed once I started pulling, that was going to be the only way to get him out. I just kept pulling and pulling until we were out of the car,” Durham said.
Backup assistance arrived from the Plano Fire Department to handle the fire, while Plano EMS transported Durham and the driver to the hospital. Durham received treatment for smoke inhalation and was subsequently released. The condition of the driver remains unknown.
“Trooper Durham courageously intervened to save a life, demonstrating the true essence of our commitment to the safety of Texans,” DPS North Texas Regional Director Jeremy Sherrod said in a statement. “His quick thinking and selfless action not only averted tragedy but also reaffirmed our belief in the profound impact that dedicated law enforcement officers have on the lives of those they serve.”
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash that resulted in the subsequent fire.