Patrol Officer

California Highway Patrol

6/30/1979

Special Act Award (Gold)

Hatch and his bear partner had just made an enforce stop on Route 163 in San Diego. The CHP patrol car was parked on the northbound should and a handcuffed prisoner was seated in the rear of the patrol car. As Officer Hatch stood on the should next to the patrol car he saw a car approaching on the shoulder at a high rate of speed. Officer Hatch shouted a warning to his partner and they both dived over the should to avoid the collision. Upon impact both cars went up in flames. The prisoner inside the patrol car began to plead for help and Officer Hatch could hear his pleas. The entire rear seat was surrounded by flames. Officer Hatch ran to the vehicle and after several tries, was able to pry the door open. Fearing an explosion, the victim told Officer Hatch to save himself. Officer Hatch pulled the victim out of the car and carried him to safety only seconds before the gas tank of the patrol car exploded. Officer Hatch then ran to the second car and entered the burning vehicle, pulling an unconscious female who was trapped between the seat and the dashboard to safety. Officer Hatch administered first aid and the woman remained consciousness.