The Antelope Valley Times

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Lancaster deputies honored for saving occupants from burning car

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Deputy Russ Williams and Deputy Alberto Rodriguez with ALADS representatives. [Contributed]
LANCASTER – Two deputies from the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station were honored on Saturday for rescuing two people from a burning car in January.

Deputies Russ Williams and Alberto Rodriguez were presented with the Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs – ALADS Life Saving Award for heroic actions taken on Jan. 16, 2017.

According to a sheriff’s news release:

While patrolling the streets of the city of Lancaster, deputies Williams and Rodriguez received a call for service of a single vehicle traffic collision.

When they arrived, they found a vehicle on fire with two occupants trapped inside. The victims had significant injuries, one with a broken back (later discovered with internal injuries) and the second occupant with a compound leg fracture.

Even though the car was on fire, deputies Williams and Rodriguez paid no mind to their own safety, battled the flames and pulled both occupants out of the vehicle. Within 60 seconds of pulling the second occupant out, the car was fully engulfed.”

The deputies undoubtedly saved the lives of both occupants, said Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Garcia of Station 135.

“A phenomenal job done by Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Deputies Rodriguez and Williams!” sheriff’s officials said in the news release.

Within 60 seconds of pulling the occupants
out, the car was fully engulfed in flames. [LASD]
Deputy Alberto Rodriguez, LASD Sheriff Alex Villanueva, Deputy Russ Williams. [Contributed]
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7 comments for "Lancaster deputies honored for saving occupants from burning car"

  1. Cops should have a good fire extinguisher right next to their high grade artillery in their back trunk… or center console. witchever where is best suited in their car.

  2. Nowadays sherriffs will give themselves an award for anything, just as long as they’re awarded something… as if their salary ain’t enough. Congratu[removed]lations to them for doing what they’re paid to do.

    • They are paid to enforce the laws y’all enact with your politicians. A fiery rescue that saves someone’s life is a little bonus. Firemen are paid to do that. Hope you understand…..and I hope the deputy that shows up to your fireman’s job when you are in a pinch is quick enough to save your ungrateful butt Alby. Such a hater…..

      • I dont need them to save me for [removed]. They never did jack when I was sincerely in trouble and I dont expect them to do [removed] for me in the future other than citate me for petty B.S. or try to prosecute me for defending myself on my own property from hotheaded and aggressive “illegals” (which has happened before). I’m sure that you illegals would love to create such a situation and see me on my knees crying out to a cop, but naaa. You’re not special enough. You and every other illegal can join the cops in a gunner race and hoop drinks and cigars while us taxpayers keep paying for the illegals welfare and for that extra useless amount of paint on the cop cars that says “To protect and serve”.

    • No, 2017. They always take their time giving out commendations. Much like the medals given to WWII soldiers in current times. At the time, no biggie.