Officer

California Highway Patrol

11/3/2006

Special Act Award (Gold)

On November 3, 2006 at approximately 10:00 p.m., California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Scott Bushey was on patrol in rural Alpine County when he responded to a call of a collision involving a vehicle overturned in an adjacent creek. Upon arrival, he was informed that a female victim was trapped inside. Officer Bushey made his way down the embankment to the vehicle where he observed a Toyota 4Runner still running on its left side partially submerged in a flowing creek. Inside was a female in the driver seat thrashing frantically in an attempt to keep her head above the water, with her left arm pinned between the 4Runner and the creek bottom. Officer Bushey originally thought about utilizing his patrol vehicle’s winch to tow the 4Runner out of the creek, however, this was not an option due to the icy conditions of the roadway. He approached the submersed vehicle and crawled into the passenger area behind the driver’s seat to assist the panicked driver in keeping her head above the water. During this effort, Officer Bushey stood in frigid, waist-deep water and gave reassurance to the woman that she would be rescued. Officer Bushey remained in this position for nearly 45 minutes until fire personnel were able to safely raise the vehicle and allow the extrication of the victim from the 4Runner.

Officer Bushey’s actions saved the woman’s life.