State Traffic Officer

California Highway Patrol

2/24/1969

Special Act Award (Gold)

At 7 pm, State Traffic Officer Bruce D. Ayers arrived on the scene of an accident just as a Volkswagen with two female occupants struck the rear of one of the vehicles involved in the initial crash. Upon impact, the interior of the Volkswagen was drenched in gasoline and burst into a ball of flames 10-15 feet high, engulfing the entire vehicle. Officer Byers ran to open the driver's door, but it was locked. He then ran to the passenger side where another person had opened the door, but was driven back by the intense heat and flames. Officer Ayers grabbed the clothing of the passenger and pulled her away from the vehicle. The victim’s hair and face were on fire and her legs and hands were flaming. Officer Ayers and another officer used their hands and Officer Ayer’s coat to smother the flames. Officer Ayers then carried the victim to the shoulder and administered first aid. The victim had third degree burns over 45% of her body, but recovered. Officer Ayers received burns on his hands and his hair was singed.