Officer

California Highway Patrol

5/30/1990

Special Act Award (Gold)

While patrolling the Costa Mesa Freeway in Santa Ana, Officer Keith Thornhill saw a traffic collision in which a small sedan was struck from behind. The small car immediately burst into flames. Officer Thornhill ran to the vehicle and after finding both occupants unconscious, attempted to open the driver's door. The door was jammed, so Officer Thornhill smashed the window and pulled the driver to safety. He returned to the passenger's side and again was forced to break the window. As Thornhill reached into the vehicle, the burning headliner fell onto the victim's head. Officer Thornhill ripped the headliner off the victim and unfastened his safety belt. As Thornhill attempted to pull the victim from car, the victim's foot became entangled in the steering wheel. Officer Thornhill reached into the car, beating back the flames with his bare hands and released the victim's foot. He then dragged the man to safety. Officer Thornhill suffered second degree burns to his hands and right arm.