On January 13th, 2022 around 0245hrs I was parked clearing a call when I observed a call for an “Accident Major” come out. I recall the details under the call stating a vehicle was on fire at the intersection of Fredericksburg Rd. and Hildebrand Ave. In that moment, I looked up from my screen and saw black smoke start to fill the sky. Realizing I was just down the street from the accident, I advised dispatch to place me on the call and immediately drove towards the scene.
Upon arriving, I observed what appeared to be a sedan fully engulfed in flames. Panicked bystanders advised me a female passenger was pinned inside the vehicle. After struggling to gain access through the passenger’s side door, I was finally able to open the vehicle from the driver’s side. I attempted to locate the trapped female but was blinded by the thick smoke surrounding. Just as I was getting ready to crawl inside, I caught a glimpse of a limp hand. Slowly, the figure of a woman began to emerge, and I could see she was unconscious, slumped over the middle console. Knowing time was working against us, I quickly reached over and began pulling her towards me from wherever I could grab. While doing so, I could feel her body was lodged by something in the vehicle, but I was resolute on getting her out. I continued to pull until she finally came free. The fire continued to pose a threat and I could see the female was in a state of semi-consciousness. Recalling my training, I placed both my arms under hers and clasped my hands together tightly. I then proceeded to drag her towards my patrol vehicle while Officers arriving on scene worked to extinguish the vehicle fire. Once SAFD arrived, they attended to the female who medically cleared with minor injuries sustained during the incident.
If I had to choose my favorite thing about being a Police Officer, I would have to say it’s working alongside my brothers and sisters in blue to accomplish something greater. “These Things We Do, So Others May Live”. When I first learned the motto the USAF Pararescue live by, it resonated with me. From then on, I adopted and chose to exemplify it through my work as a San Antonio Police Officer. Since the day of the incident, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity to be in the right place at the right time. I believe God was watching over us all that night and guided me each and every step of the way as I pulled the victim out to safety.
Bianca Garcia #1052
WPC
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”