California Highway Patrol Officer

California Highway Patrol

5/13/2008

Special Act Award (Gold)

On May 13, 2008, California Highway Patrol Officer Matthew Casey, arrived at the scene of a solo vehicle-versus-tree accident involving a wrong way driver in Mendocino County. Off-duty CalFire Battalion Chief, Corey Call, was on scene and attempting to aid the victim. The female driver was still seated behind the wheel, and was alive, but unresponsive. The car began to catch fire and smoke was filling the passenger compartment. Officer Casey tried to put out the fire with his fire extinguisher but was unsuccessful. Unable to open the doors, Officer Casey used his baton to break the passenger side window, allowing him to reach inside and open the passenger door. As Officer Casey entered the car's passenger compartment, he was met with a wall of heat and smoke. As he drew his first breath inside the car, heat and smoke entered his lungs causing his trachea to automatically close making it impossible for him to breathe. Officer Casey had to consciously force himself to relax and avoid the urge to panic until his trachea reopened. Because he stayed calm and concentrated, he was able to overcome the effects of the smoke and continue his efforts to remove the driver. Despite great danger to themselves, Officer Casey and Chief Call struggled for nearly five minutes to save the woman, but the intense flames and smoke eventually forced Officer Casey and Chief Call to abandon their efforts. In spite of Officer Casey’s heroic efforts, the woman could not be saved, but his actions clearly exemplify his courage and resourcefulness under extremely dangerous conditions.