Associate Air Pollution Specialist

California Air Resources Board

6/28/1993

Special Act Award (Gold)

Air Resources Board Associate Air Pollution Specialist Clark Brink performed an extraordinary act of heroism on the morning of June 28, 1993, at great risk to himself in the rescue of a woman from a burning automobile. Mr. Brink witnessed a rear-end collision that sent the victim's car out of control, across three lanes of traffic, and bursting into flames. Mr. Brink immediately took action. He pulled his car to a stop and stepping past a group of bystanders, observed that the driver, a woman, was unconscious and wearing a seatbelt. The doors were locked and she was in imminent danger of being burned to death. Despite increasing heat, smoke, and flames, Mr. Brink, along with two others, used a tire iron to break the driver's window and remove the victim from the burning vehicle. The victim had no vital signs so Mr. Brink began to administer CPR. Mr. Brink continued for about 20 minutes despite the increasing likelihood of the nearby vehicle exploding. Eventually emergency crews gained control of the burning car and took over the victim's care. Despite Mr. Brink's heroic efforts, the woman's serious condition proved fatal.