Family, city officials thank first responders who rescued woman from fiery crash
Caroline Kill remains hospitalized for her injuries
Caroline Kill remains hospitalized for her injuries
Caroline Kill remains hospitalized for her injuries
The parents of a woman who was saved from a fiery crash in Leawood thanked first responders in person Monday night.
Caroline Kill was taken off a ventilator Monday. While she is no longer in critical condition, she remains in the hospital.
The family got emotional inside city hall. After three weeks, they could thank officers in person.
One by one, five officers, a fire captain and an animal control officer were recognized for the rescue.
"I just can't thank these officers enough. They were brave and kind," said Allan Elton, Caroline Kill's father.
Leawood city leaders awarded each a certificate.
"Those heroes saved our girl's life," said Martha Elton, Caroline Kill's mother.
Last month, all seven men picked up Kill's car and pulled her to safety. They used fire extinguishers to calm the flames as tires explode from the heat.
"I'm really grateful to all the officers that were there that day. It's really sweet, and I really appreciate that Leawood is taking the time to recognize them," said Gaby Kill, Kill's daughter.
Gaby Kill said it was a team effort that saved her mother's life.
Kill has a long road to recovery, which include skin grafts, surgeries and physical therapy. The timeline is unknown, but loved ones are grateful she's alive.
"Every day, this is a very long process - road to recovery, but every day is another success," Gaby Kill said.
The family said they are thankful to the first responders and the community for being so supportive.
"People, most of them we didn't know, but somehow the kindness does come when it's needed. And it's just a credit I think to this community," Allan Elton said.
The family believes Caroline Kill would have died had the crash not been so close to the police station.
Her recovery will take months. The family has a GoFundMe account to help cover medical expenses.