Caltrans Equipment Operator II

Department of Transportation

10/28/2010

Special Service Award (Silver)

On October 28, 2010, at approximately 9:45 a.m., Caltrans Equipment Operator II Christopher J. Harvey was driving a state vehicle during his work shift on State Route 55 in Costa Mesa. As Mr. Harvey slowed for traffic, he was struck from behind and pushed forward, hitting the vehicle in front of him. Immediately following the three car collision, Mr. Harvey saw flames coming from the hood of the vehicle that hit him. He quickly contacted Caltrans dispatch and requested assistance. Mr. Harvey saw the driver was still inside the burning car. Smoke was coming out of its cabin and it was quickly becoming engulfed in flames. As traffic flowed by, Mr. Harvey and a good Samaritan removed the injured driver from the vehicle and then Mr. Harvey went back to the burning vehicle to check and make sure there were no other occupants. A few minutes later the fire department, an ambulance, and the CHP arrived on the scene.