Edward Bohan rescued John H. Collymore from burning, North Hempstead, New York, July 1, 2008. Collymore, 58, was the driver of a sport utility vehicle that, in the hours before dawn, left the roadway, struck a utility pole and a tree, and caught fire. Flames spread to the interior of the vehicle as Collymore, who was injured in the accident, attempted to free himself. Approaching in his vehicle, Bohan, 31, off-duty firefighter, observed the flames and stopped at the scene. After finding the doors to the vehicle locked, Bohan used a metal post that was nearby to smash the driver’s window. He then opened the door, leaned into the vehicle, and unfastened Collymore’s safety belt. Grasping Collymore under the arms, Bohan pulled him from the vehicle to the ground, and then he and another man dragged Collymore away shortly before flames grew to engulf the vehicle. Collymore required extensive hospitalization for treatment of serious burns and other injuries. Bohan also received hospital treatment, for second-degree burns and cuts to his hands, and he recovered.
81394 – 9268
81394-9268