Car fire incident

Sergeant Christopher Gomez

In the early morning hours of August 16, 2006, Sergeant Christopher Gomez, assigned to Newton Patrol, was driving south on the 110 Freeway from Vernon Avenue, when he saw a black Nissan Sentra get on the freeway going about 100 miles per hour. As the car neared Imperial Highway, it swerved to avoid hitting another vehicle and spun out of control, colliding with the center divider.

Sergeant Gomez raced to the car, which was now on fire. The driver’s door was pinned against the center divider, making it impossible to open. Sergeant Gomez saw the driver was the only person in the car, and realized the man was now trapped inside the burning vehicle. Sergeant Gomez tried to open the passenger side door, but it was jammed. Without hesitating, Sergeant Gomez smashed the passenger window with his police baton. That’s when the car’s dashboard caught on fire. Sergeant Gomez could hear loud popping noises, could see the flames and feel the heat of the fire. With the passenger compartment burning and with total disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Gomez used tremendous strength and pulled the driver out of the car through the flames and out the passenger door window. After pulling the man from the car, Sergeant Gomez dragged him to safety.

Moments later a news photographer arrived at the scene and began videotaping the car, which was now completely engulfed in flames. The video is proof that if Sergeant Gomez had not risked his own safety to pull the driver out of the car, he would not have survived.

The driver was taken to a nearby hospital where he was treated for a broken collarbone and smoke inhalation. He said if it were not for Sergeant Gomez’ quick action he would not have been able to get out of the car on his own. The driver said Sergeant Gomez saved his life, and did so without regard for his own personal safety.

Sergeant Gomez is commended for his heroic actions, courage, and for sacrificing his own safety in an effort to save a life, the most generous and courageous offering one can make. Sergeant Gomez’ brave and decisive actions demonstrated the noble and gallant efforts that epitomize the selfless professionalism expected of a Los Angeles police officer. The daring and selfless rescue of the driver of the burning vehicle is admirable and demonstrates the highest regard for public safety.