On July 29, 2005, Officer Todd M. Myers of the West Hartford Police Department in Connecticut was off-duty and on his way to work when he witnessed a dump truck lose control, speed downhill, and veer into oncoming traffic. The truck overturned and slid on its side, destroying many vehicles, before it burst into flames. Officer Myers, 100 yards away in his personal vehicle, ran toward the scene as gas tanks from cars around him began to explode. At risk to his own personal safety, he was able to cut a trapped female driver from one of the burning vehicles. He suffered first and second degree burns on his right arm as he dragged her to safety. Officer Myers then returned to direct responding units, pulling other victims from their vehicles, and assisted in the care of other victims until paramedics could arrive. Overall, this 20-vehicle traffic crash, which caused four fatalities and many injuries, would have been much worse if not for the heroic actions of Officer Todd Myers.
Date Published: September 9, 2020