Steve J. Sciortino saved Richard M. Delafuente from burning, Colusa, California, November 19, 2003. Delafuente, 35, lay semiconscious inside his car after a nighttime accident in which the vehicle overturned and caught fire in its engine compartment. Sciortino, 51, draft technician, who lived nearby, heard the accident, then responded to the scene after reporting it. Despite the flames, which were spreading rapidly, Sciortino approached the passenger side of the car, partially entered head first through the window of the front door, and grasped Delafuente by the arms. As Delafuente outweighed him, Sciortino had difficulty in pulling him from the vehicle. Sciortino dragged Delafuente to safety, flames soon entering the inside of the car and nearly engulfing it. Delafuente required hospital treatment for his injuries.
77569 – 8877
77569-8877