Douglas W. Prentiss
Officer
California Highway Patrol
11/20/1999
Special Act Award (Gold)
On November 20, 1999, at approximately 1:00 a.m., Officer Douglas W. Prentiss, was on patrol with his partner, Officer Timothy A. Synder, on the westbound Ventura Freeway In Encino, California, when he received a radio call of a solo traffic collision. Upon their arrival, the officers observed a vehicle over the side of the freeway. They were advised by a motorist that a person was trapped inside the burning vehicle. Both officers exited their vehicle and proceeded towards the burning vehicle. As the officers ran down the embankment, they encountered a wall of fire engulfing the rear of the vehicle and nearby brush.
Officer Snyder observed a solo female occupant unconscious in the driver's seat. He attempted to open the driver's door, but it was too badly damaged. Officer Prentiss struck the locked passenger side door window with his metal flashlight. After three attempts, he was able to shatter the window. In the process, he cut his hand, but he was able to open the door. Officer Snyder observed the driver's seat belt to be in place, so he took his pocketknife and cut through it. Officer Prentiss noted the rear passenger compartment was on fire, and smoke and fumes were quickly traveling toward the driver's area. He also noted the driver had blood on her face and pants. He attempted to extricate her from the vehicle by placing his arms around her but lost his grip due to the blood that covered his hands. Officer Synder then exchanged places with
Officer Prentiss and pried the right side door open wider. Officer Prentiss, seeing the lap seat belt was still in place, cut the belt however, the victim was still pinned behind the wheel and remained unconscious. The officers could feel the flames getting closer, and although the car was filling with smoke and fumes, the officers continued in their efforts to extricate the victim. Officer Prentiss pushed the victim's lower torso while Officer Synder pulled on her upper torso. Their efforts were successful, and the victim was removed from the burning wreckage. They quickly removed her from harm's way. Within seconds, the vehicle was totally engulfed in flames. The victim was treated for her injuries and transported to the hospital.
Officer Prentiss and pried the right side door open wider. Officer Prentiss, seeing the lap seat belt was still in place, cut the belt however, the victim was still pinned behind the wheel and remained unconscious. The officers could feel the flames getting closer, and although the car was filling with smoke and fumes, the officers continued in their efforts to extricate the victim. Officer Prentiss pushed the victim's lower torso while Officer Synder pulled on her upper torso. Their efforts were successful, and the victim was removed from the burning wreckage. They quickly removed her from harm's way. Within seconds, the vehicle was totally engulfed in flames. The victim was treated for her injuries and transported to the hospital.