Mickie Fenwick, 47, of Abilene, Texas, and Abilene Police officer Michael Garcia, 35, responded to the scene of a burning sport utility vehicle, which had struck a gas meter and came to rest against a tree on Nov. 1, 2018 in Abilene. The gas meter ruptured and leaked natural gas at the scene; flames broke out in the engine area of the vehicle; 36-year-old Chad L. Perkins was unconscious and remained in the driver’s seat. As Fenwick put damp leaves and dirt on the flames to try to extinguish the blaze, Garcia opened a rear door but could not access Perkins. Fenwick and Garcia both moved to the driver’s door and attempted to remove Perkins through the driver’s window, but his foot was caught in the wreckage. Releasing Perkins, Fenwick entered the vehicle further to free Perkins’ foot. They then pulled Perkins through the window and carried him to safety. Although Perkins suffered severe injuries related to the collision, he was not burned.
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