A Gardendale police officer and firefighter are being recognized for their successful rescue efforts after a vehicle crashed and caught fire.
The Gardendale Police Department said the incident happened Thursday, January 5 around 1:30 p.m. Officers received a call involving a single-vehicle accident on Snow Rogers Road.
Police said Officer Scott McLaughlin was the first to arrive and began searching the area. Police said Officer McLaughlin turned on Glenn Chapel Road and located a vehicle on fire with one person inside along with a dog.
Police said Officer McLaughlin ran toward the burning vehicle attempting to break the window as personnel with the Gardendale Fire Department arrived.
Along with Officer McLaughlin, police said firefighter and medic Johnathon Haney entered the burning vehicle and pulled the person, who was unresponsive, and the dog from the vehicle.
Police said it was determined the person would have perished if it wasn’t for the quick response of Officer McLaughlin and Haney.
"I want to recognize and commend Officer McLaughlin and Firefighter/Medic Haney for going above and beyond what could reasonably be expected to save the life of another. Thankfully, the occupant was revived at the scene and there were no serious injuries," said Chief Scott Banks.