Unit Forester/Division Chief

Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

12/3/2012

Special Act Award (Gold)

On December 3, 2012, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Unit Forester/Division Chief Matthew S. Reischman was off-duty in his private vehicle in Grass Valley when he witnessed a head-on collision. As Chief Reischman approached the scene, he saw an SUV on its side with the engine on fire and fluid draining out. The driver was pinned under the vehicle. After checking to make sure the people in the second vehicle were all right, he assisted them to a safe location and then turned his attention to the SUV. The driver had significant head trauma and was unconscious, but breathing. Enlisting the help of two men on the scene, Chief Reischman lifted the vehicle approximately six inches to free him. The driver’s legs were still pinned however, so despite the spreading flames Chief Reischman kicked out the windshield and repositioned his legs. The driver was soon extricated and moved to a safe location. Shortly afterwards, the vehicle became completely engulfed in flames.