Officer

California Highway Patrol

9/9/2000

Special Service Award (Silver)

California Highway Patrol Officer Virginia Bayles, on September 9, 2000, performed an act of heroism at risk to her personal safety when she rescued an intoxicated driver from his burning vehicle. At approximately 6:30 p.m., on September 9, 2000, Officer Virginia Bayles, who was off duty, was eastbound on Rising Road (a rural road in southern Sacramento County), when she observed a black 1986 BMW in a shallow ditch of dry grass and brush. Officer Bayles stopped to investigate and to render assistance. Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Bayles observed dry grass and brush on fire underneath the rear of the vehicle. She also observed a male sitting in the driver’s seat. He appeared to be intoxicated. Officer Bayles began to shout and bang on the passenger door window in an attempt to rouse the driver. As the fire intensified, Officer Bayles managed to force open the right front passenger door. The driver resisted Officer Bayles’ attempts to remove him from the vehicle. After three or four attempts, Officer Bayles finally managed to pull the driver out of the vehicle. The driver resisted leaving the area. He stated he had a shovel in the trunk of the car and that he could put out the fire. Officer Bayles indicated it was too late for that and they needed to get help. She began to yell for help. He attempted to return to his vehicle to get the shovel and put out the fire. Officer Bayles grabbed his arm and led him over to her vehicle. When they got to her vehicle, she started honking the horn and continued to yell for help. Officer Bayles then proceeded to a nearby residence and requested the owner call 911, requesting the fire department. She also stated the Sheriff or CHP was needed because the driver appeared to be intoxicated. The driver had suffered no injuries and was later arrested at the scene for driving under the influence. His blood alcohol level was .23. The fire completely engulfed the vehicle.