Two off-duty officers proved to be the likely difference between life and a fiery death for a crash victim Wednesday along I-40 East of Sallisaw.
A driver, reportedly travelling at a high rate of speed, lost control of his vehicle and crashed through multiple trees in the median before coming to a stop. Off-duty Stigler Assistant Police Chief John Vail activated his body camera as he ran through the brush in search of the vehicle. A fire had already ignited in the engine compartment and Vail tried without success to remove the driver, the sole occupant, from the vehicle.
As Vail retrieved a fire extinguisher, off-duty Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC) Transportation Division Enforcement Officer Hayden Cantrell arrived on the scene to render aid. Vail attempted to extinguish the growing flames while Cantrell worked to remove the driver. With the flames advancing and time running out, Cantrell literally pulled the man from the metal debris and moved him to a safe area away from the vehicle which then became engulfed in flames.
“We cannot praise, enough, the men and women who run into danger while most would run away,” Corporation Commission Chairman Kim David said. “The courageous actions of these men define them as heroes because they rushed to the aid of a stranger without fear for their own safety.”
State Trooper Adam Wood arrived on the scene with a second fire extinguisher. After confirming the driver was safe from the wreckage, Wood looked to ensure no other possible occupants might have been ejected during the crash.
“Our transportation officers and all first responders are a different caliber of individuals who are on duty regardless of whether they are on the clock,” said Corporation Commissioner Brian Bingman. “Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officer (MVEO) Cantrell was on his way to the Sequoyah Port of Entry when he witnessed the collision and turned around for the sake of another.”
Cantrell, somewhat disheveled and with blood on his uniform, reported for work after being released from the scene of the accident. The driver was transported by ambulance to a safe landing zone for Air Evac to a medical facility offering a higher level of care.
“For this driver, Cantrell and Vail were like angels sent from above because this man must have had more to contribute in this life,” said Corporation Commissioner Todd Hiett. “Their selflessness and bravery meant this driver still has a future. Their actions were priceless and worthy of recognition.”
Commissioners will present 23-year old MVEO Hayden Cantrell a special citation to formally recognize his courage at a future Commission meeting. He has two years of service with OCC.
Screen shots taken from bodycam video of off-duty Stigler Assistant Police Chief John Vail who was first on the scene. He attempted to remove the driver prior to Cantrell’s arrival on the scene and then turned his focus to trying to put out the flames after retrieving a fire extinguisher from his vehicle.
