Officer

California Highway Patrol

12/15/1979

Special Act Award (Gold)

Officer Theodore R. Shannon was on patrol when he saw two wrecked vehicles, a GMC pickup and a Chevrolet Vega. The pickup truck was on fire. Officer Shannon radioed for fire and ambulance assistance and then attempted to remove that vehicle’s sole occupant. Flames shot up and the officer ran for his fire extinguisher. After subduing the flames, he again unsuccessfully attempted to remove the victim. Officer Shannon spotted gasoline pouring from the truck’s dislodged gas tank. The fire spread to the second vehicle which held three unconscious occupants. Officer Shannon ran to the vehicle, pulled a young girl out, and was removing a second victim when citizens offered assistance. The Vega’s driver was pinned in the wrecked vehicle and could not be removed. Officer Shannon gave first aid to the two unconscious girls he successfully removed from the Vega and then tried again, despite the threat of explosion, to rescue both of the trapped drivers. The intense heat melted the lens of his flashlight. Unfortunately, both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene and the rescued victims died later from massive injuries. Officer Shannon suffered smoke inhalation and second degree facial burns.