Sergeant

California Highway Patrol

3/2/2002

Special Act Award (Gold)

On March 2, 2002, Sergeant Stephan Neumann, who was off duty at the time, came upon a vehicle accident. One of the vehicles involved had struck a tree, and then a fire had ignited in the engine compartment. The occupant was unconscious and trapped behind the steering wheel of his vehicle. Sergeant Neumann entered the rear of the burning vehicle and attempted to extract the driver. Sergeant Neumann continued in his efforts until driven from the vehicle by the fire, which had spread to the passenger compartment and threatened to engulf the entire vehicle. In his efforts, Sergeant Neumann received second degree burns. Although the driver was not able to be saved, Sergeant Neumann exhibited great personal courage in his efforts to save the life of another.