Corcoran officer honored for saving man from burning vehicle

CORCORAN, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A correctional serviceman astatine California State Prison successful Corcoran was honored arsenic the 2024 Gold Star recipient connected Friday by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) for his heroism aft rescuing a chap serviceman from a burning car.

Officials accidental the Gold Star Medal is awarded for heroic deeds nether bonzer circumstances. The worker shall show courageousness successful the look of contiguous peril successful acting to prevention the beingness of different person. 

According to CDCR, Officer Rogelio Tienda came to the assistance of Officer Vasquez who was deed head-on by a conveyance portion driving location from his first-watch displacement successful May 2023. The interaction of the collision knocked Vasquez unconscious and caused his conveyance to drawback fire.

CDCR says Officer Tienda came upon the country and instantly began rescue efforts. Unable to unfastened the door, helium ran to his conveyance and grabbed a crowbar. After respective attempts, helium was capable to interruption the model and propulsion Vasquez to safety.

Officer Ortega from the California State Prison, Corcoran, and an chartless correctional serviceman from the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility stopped to assist. Officer Ortega was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions.