Officer

California Highway Patrol

1/18/2003

Special Act Award (Gold)

California Highway Patrol Officers Ken Tyler and James Sheeran, on January 18, 2003, performed an extraordinary act of heroism at risk to their personal safety when they removed an unconscious driver and passenger from a burning vehicle. At approximately 2:34 a.m., a 1996 Chevrolet Impala was driving at a high rate of speed on Interstate 580. The car passed Officers Tyler and Sheeran and immediately tried to avoid apprehension by exiting the freeway. The driver eventually turned onto Southfront Road just west of Greenville Road in the city of Livermore and became involved in solo vehicle traffic collision. The vehicle struck a signal box, which ignited a fire in the vehicle's trunk. Both the driver and passanger were rendered unconscious as the fire began to spread into the passenger compartment. Officers Tyler and Sheeran observed the vehicle pass them, but eventually lost sight of it. As they continued in the potential path of the vehicle, they observed plumes of smoke and responded to investigate. Despite the vehicle fire and heavy smoke, both officers immediately ran to the driver side to render assistance. Officer Tyler extricated the unconscious driver while Officer Sheeran remained with the unconscious passenger. After removing the driver to a place of safety, Officer Tyler returned to the vehicle to assist with the extrication of the passenger. As the vehicle filled with thick, heavy smoke and flames, both officers then moved the passanger from the right-front seat, across the driver compartment and out of the driver's door. Officers Tyler and Sheeran exhibited great personal courage in their efforts to save the life of another. Both suffered smoke inhalation which required medical treatment.