Michael J. Zimmerman rescued Paul A. McCollar from burning, Williamsfield, Illinois, August 16, 2007. McCollar, 43, was trapped inside the cab of a tractor-trailer after an accident on an interstate highway. The cab had turned onto its side in the accident, and flames broke out on it and inside. Traveling on the same highway, Zimmerman, 53, mason contractor, came upon the burning wreckage and stopped at the scene. Seeing movement inside the cab, he kicked a hole in the windshield. After another man who had arrived removed that section of windshield, Zimmerman entered the cab through the opening. McCollar, who was conscious, was suspended by his safety belt. Zimmerman freed him and then grasped and pulled him from the cab. McCollar stood, and Zimmerman and the other man walked him across the highway to safety. Flames shortly engulfed the cab. McCollar was hospitalized for treatment of numerous injuries, including a burn to his left hand. He recovered.
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