State Traffic Officer

California Highway Patrol

4/27/1991

Special Service Award (Silver)

State Traffic Officer Raymond W. Swickard, on April 27, 1991, performed an extraordinary act of heroism at great risk to his personal safety by assisting an adult male by removing his burning shirt and relocating a smoking gas can in the victim's vehicle still parked next to the gas pumps at the gas station, to an area away from the nearby fuel pumps. At approximately 2:52 p.m., while on a coffee break at the Food and Fuel Mini market located in the town of Waterford, Officer Swickard heard a loud “pop”. Observing a reflection of flames on the glass doors of the cold case located outside, Officer Swickard jumped up and as he started out the door, the clerk yelled that a man was on fire. As he reached the door, he observed a man running away with his upper body on fire. Office Swickard chased the man for about 30’ before he caught up with him and without regard for his own personal safety, was able to safely remove the burning shirt. After ensuring that the man could breath, Officer Swickard ran back inside the station to summon aid. Upon returning to the victim’s location, Officer Swickard noticed that a smoking gas can was still in the bed of the truck parked at the gas pumps. He grabbed the can and placed it a safe distance from the gas station, thereby preventing the possibility of further explosions. Officer Swickard’s swift actions prevented further serious injury or death to the victim as well as preventing the entire gas station from exploding.