Program Administrator

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

6/25/1967

Special Act Award (Gold)

Ruben E. Coyle rescued an 18 year old man from a burning car after an accident on the Santa Ana Freeway. Mr. Coyle beat out the burning grass, a result of the accident, with a towel so he could approach the vehicle. After enlisting the aid of two bystanders to right the overturned automobile, Mr. Coyle tried to pull the victim free, but the victim’s seat belt held him in place. Reaching across the injured victim, Mr. Coyle managed to unfasten the seat belt and the victim fell to the still burning glass. Mr. Coyle helped the victim through the grass fire and used the towel to put out flames on the victim’s back. Mr. Coyle sustained minor burns in the rescue. The victim suffered critical burns.