Officer

California Highway Patrol

5/6/2010

Special Act Award (Gold)

On May 6, 2010, California Highway Patrol Officer Shawn Burkhead responded to a call of a vehicle on fire on eastbound State Route 118 near Rocky Peak Road, in Simi Valley. Upon arrival, Officer Burkhead found the vehicle on the shoulder of the road with flames and smoke billowing from under the engine compartment. As he approached the burning vehicle, he was surprised to find the driver still seated in the driver's seat as the flames around him intensified. Despite the flames surrounding the vehicle, Officer Burkhead approached closer and directed the driver to exit the vehicle. The driver was conscious but unresponsive to Officer Burkhead’s commands. Officer Burkhead suspected the driver's level of consciousness was severely diminished due to intoxication. After several unsuccessful verbal attempts to get the driver out of the vehicle, Officer Burkhead made the decision to physically remove him. As Officer Burkhead opened the driver’s door, the right front tire exploded and flames began shooting out from the dashboard vents. He then physically reached in and extricated the six-foot, four-inch tall, 235 pound, resistive driver from his burning vehicle. Immediately thereafter the flames entered the vehicle interior and grew out of control.

During the rescue, Officer Burkhead sustained minor injuries as the flames singed his left arm and he suffered smoke inhalation and extreme heat exposure. The driver was unharmed and was subsequently arrested and booked for suspicion of driving under the influence. Officer Burkhead's actions, without regard for his personal safety, saved this man’s life. The State of California takes great pride in presenting Officer Shawn Burkhead, this Gold Medal of Valor, for his extraordinary act of heroism extending far above and beyond the normal call of duty or service.