The Bulletin Notes

FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin,The, April, 2007

While on his way to work, Officer Todd Myers of the West Hartford, Connecticut, Police Department, watched as a dump truck loaded with dirt and boulders lost control on a steep hill. It overturned, crushed several cars and a transit bus stopped for a red light at the bottom of the hill, and burst into flames amid the wrecked vehicles. Immediately, Officer Myers reported the crash and ran toward the wreckage. As he approached the area, he heard cries coming from inside burning vehicles. Officer Myers ran to a compact car with a woman trapped inside. He began to throw dirt on the flames, containing them as long as possible, and used his pocketknife to cut the victim from her seatbelt. Officer Myers pulled her from the vehicle just before it became fully engulfed; he suffered first- and second-degree burns. After helping the woman move to a safe area, he returned to assist others. Officer Myers then freed the trapped and critically injured driver of the burning transit bus. As other respondents arrived, he continued to assist rescue efforts until all of the victims received aid. Officer Myers demonstrated bravery and professionalism throughout this ordeal.

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Nominations for the Bulletin Notes should be based on either the rescue of one or more citizens or arrest(s) made at unusual risk to an officer's safety. Submissions should include a short write-up (maximum of 250 words), a separate photograph of each nominee, and a letter from the department's ranking officer endorsing the nomination. Submissions should be sent to the Editor, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, FBI Academy, Madison Building, Room 209, Quantico, VA 22135.