News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Dale H. Moreland
(573) 840-9500
011609
January 16, 2008

EMPHASIS: Livesaving Actions Taken By Troopers Ward And Tucker.



On January 7, 2008, at 1:39 p.m. Trooper Andrew B. “Andy” Ward responded to an accident on Route W one mile north of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. As Tpr. Ward arrived on the scene, smoke was coming from the vehicle, which was partially in the ditch. There were several people at the scene indicating the car was on fire and a fire extinguisher was needed. Tpr. Ward approached the vehicle with his fire extinguisher and attempted to open the doors without success. Tpr. Ward sprayed his fire extinguisher attempting to put out the fire, but could not. After several attempts to extinguish the fire and being unsuccessful, and being unable to see because of the smoke, he asked whether someone was in the vehicle. Tpr. Ward was informed by another person on the scene that an elderly woman occupied the car and her foot was stuck. Tpr. Ward climbed into the car through the driver window and dislodged her foot. Trooper Corey Tucker arrived on scene and saw Tpr. Ward partially inside the burning car. Once the woman’s foot was freed, Tpr. Tucker pulled Tpr. Ward from the car, which was consumed by smoke and fire. Tpr. Tucker continued to extinguish the fire as Tpr. Ward immediately went to the passenger side of the car and, with assistance from civilians on the scene, pulled the woman from the car. Almost immediately after freeing her from the car it burst into flames and was totally consumed.



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