San Diego officer lauded for pulling driver from burning car

   

A San Diego police officer is being lauded for quick thinking and bravery for pulling an unconscious driver from a burning car after a traffic accident Tuesday night.

Dionisio "Danny" Medina, 27, a Navy veteran and four-year member of the police department, was on patrol in the mid-city area when he spotted a stalled Chevrolet Impala hit by a Chevrolet sport utility vehicle.

When the Impala caught on fire, Medina broke a window and pried open one of the doors, pulling the unconscious 20-year-old driver to safety. As Medina pulled the man to safety, the car burst into flames.

Both drivers were later taken to a hospital with minor injuries. Medina was treated for smoke inhalation.

"It was a very heroic act," said Capt. Brian Ahearn.

And Medina?  "He's back on patrol," Ahearn said. "He just wants to do his job."

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-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: San Diego Police Officer Dionisio Medina

Credit: San Diego Police Department