1994-01-24 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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ReC~ E~ D LA FORTE POLICE DEPARTMENT ~J,QN ' Interoffice Memorandum 9 199Q ~r t , era; itJ Januar 7, 1993 Q.;ti~~~~ ~'C~S _°-~,, TO: Robert Herrera a FROM: B.L. Powell ~} SUBJ: Rescue of citizen from burning automobile This is to inform you of the actions of one of our officers during the early morning hours of January 7, 1993 at the scene of a major automobile accident. This accident occurred east-bound on State Highway 225 near Houston St. Mr. James Reed of Grapeland, Texas had apparently been driving at a high rate of speed and struck the rear of a tractor-trailer rig driven by Paula Turner of Pasadena. Mr. Reed's vehicle was substantially damaged and began to burn. A citizen of La Porte, Mr. Dean Delph of 10923 Dogwood, came upon the scene and began to try to extricate Mr. Reed from the vehicle. Mr. Reed was unconscious and his legs were pinned beneath the crushed dashboard. As the fire in the car spread, Mr. Delph had to put out flames that reached Mr. Reed's legs and head. About that time, Mr. Delph was joined by Officer Bobby Rinq of our department who discovered the accident while patrolling the area. several attempts to remove Mr. Reed from the car were not successful. Officer Rinq and Mr. Delph realized that time was running out on their efforts and the fire was spreading ever faster. The interior also became more involved with each passing moment. Finally, Officer Rinq and Mr. Delph were able to pull Mr. Reed from the car seconds before it was engulfed in an explosion and fire. Mr. Reed's hair and clothing were aflame and the officer and citizen extinguished the fire by rolling Mr. Reed on the ground. Subsequently, other emergency equipment and personnel arrived on the scene, including sergeant Sammy Jacobs. He and Officer Rinq directed traffic and fire fighting efforts and the helicopter evacuation of Mr. Reed. As of the writing of this memo, Mr. Reed remains alive but seriously injured. I have written letters of commendation to Officer Rinq and Mr. Delph, praising them for their heroic and selfless act (copies are attached). I believe recognition of these brave men by the city government is warranted and much deserved.