In the early hours of January 9, 2025, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper Cody Durham demonstrated extraordinary courage by rescuing a driver trapped inside a burning vehicle following a serious crash on the Dallas Tollway near Spring Creek Parkway.

Details of the Incident

Just after 2:20 a.m., while traveling southbound on routine patrol, Trooper Durham observed a vehicle in the northbound lanes that had collided and was emitting smoke. Acting quickly, he turned around and approached the scene, where the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames, with the driver still trapped inside.

Trooper Durham immediately opened the back passenger door and entered the smoke-filled vehicle. Braving the flames and hazardous conditions, he pulled the driver from the wreckage and safely moved him away from the fire.

“I believed once I started pulling, that was going to be the only way to get him out,” said Trooper Durham. “I just kept pulling and pulling until we were out of the car.”

Plano EMS quickly arrived on the scene and transported the driver to Medical City Plano for treatment. The Plano Fire Department successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage or injury.

Statement from DPS

“Trooper Durham courageously intervened to save a life, demonstrating the true essence of our commitment to the safety of Texans,” said DPS North Texas Regional Director Jeremy Sherrod. “His quick thinking and selfless action not only averted tragedy but reaffirmed our belief in the profound impact that dedicated law enforcement officers have on the lives of those they serve.”

Outcome

The driver remains under medical care for injuries sustained in the crash. Trooper Cody Durham was taken to Plano Presbyterian Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and was later released.