“I look at all these citizens like family members,” the Detroit firefighter, Donald Faulkner, said
NEED TO KNOW
- In January, Detroit firefighter Donald Faulkner saved Latashia Collins from a burning vehicle
- Collins sustained severe injuries but has made a remarkable recovery
- Earlier this month, Faulkner was honored for his bravery, with Collins’ family expressing their gratitude
A firefighter in Michigan was recently lauded after rushing into a burning vehicle to save the life of a trapped driver.
Donald Faulkner, with the Detroit Fire Department, responded in January to reports of a car on fire after a crash and ran to the rescue of Latashia Collins, the city said in a May 1 news release.
Body camera footage captured the moment when Faulkner dove into the blazing vehicle to get Collins.
Although she suffered severe burns and 18 fractures, Collins survived, Detroit officials said.
“I heard her screaming just to help,” Faulkner told local ABC affiliate WXYZ. “I'm from here. I look at all these citizens like family members, so I look at it like my own mom's in there.”
Faulkner visited Collins in the hospital while she was on the way to what was deemed a “tremendous recovery,” Dr. David Springstead, a surgeon at the burn center where Collins was treated, told WXYZ.
“She has worked so hard and she really, truly is a miracle,” Springstead said.
Faulkner was honored for his “extraordinary bravery” at an event on May 1, ahead of International Firefighters’ Day last week, the city said. Collins’ mom and daughter were present, too.
“Because of his courage and the fast work of his team, we still have our mother with us. We are forever grateful to him and to everyone who helped save her life,” Tanisha Morgan said.
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Detroit’s executive fire commissioner, Chuck Simms, echoed that, according to the city’s news release.
“This is the kind of courage that cannot be taught,” he said, “it comes from character, commitment, and an unwavering desire to help others.”
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