Traffic Officer

California Highway Patrol

12/4/1974

Special Act Award (Gold)

When Officer Theodore Mrozek arrived at the scene of an accident involving a gasoline tank truck and a passenger vehicle, gasoline from the tank truck was burning 25 to 30 feet from the car and there were two elderly persons trapped inside. The heat was intense - estimated at 500 to 800 degrees - that it was impossible to approach the car. Officer Mrozek requested the fireman spray water on himself and two civilians so they could get to the car and remove the injured driver and his unconscious wife. Fire officials reported that throughout the rescue operation there was imminent danger from the fierce heat and a possible explosion of gasoline in the tank truck and trainer.