Bob Kerber

On April 27, 1992, at approximately 3:10 p.m., Caltrans Maintenance Supervisor Bob Kerber was traveling southbound on State Route 99 when he saw a northbound vehicle headed toward the median, strike a tree and catch on fire. Mr. Kerber reacted immediately, radioing dispatch and requesting emergency vehicles.

He was soon joined by other rescuers who used fire extinguishers to keep the flames down as he pried the door open with a crow bar. The dense smoke and flames hampered the rescue effort, but Mr. Kerber located the victim under the dash – one leg was stuck under the gas pedal making it extremely difficult to remove him. Despite the ever present danger of fire and explosion, Mr. Kerber was able to pull the victim free and with the assistance of the rescuers, Mr. Kerber carried the man a safe distance away from the burning vehicle.