Two South Dakotans are being recognized by the Highway Patrol for saving the life of a Sioux Falls man they pulled from the burning wreckage of a car.
Officials say back on April 13, Derek Murphy of White, as well as another man who did not wish to be recognized, both stopped to help when a vehicle crashed on I-29.
The driver was unable to get out of the car. The two men, unrelated and from different vehicles, pulled the driver from the car. Moments later, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames.
The driver and Highway Patrol troopers thanked the rescuers in a special ceremony, where they received a life saving award from the Highway Patrol.
“We would likely have seen a different outcome, had these men not taken immediate action,” said Highway Patrol Major Robert Whisler during the award presentation.
Trooper Blend Fetahi, one of the first responders at the scene, submitted the nomination of the two men for this SDHP award.
“It is my recommendation [these men] be referred for a life-saving award for their actions that more than likely saved the life of the driver in this vehicle crash,” he wrote.
The rescued man, Jackson Thomas Murphy — who is not related to Derek Murphy — was on hand with his family to thank his rescuers.
“My gratitude goes beyond words,” Murphy said. “I am so thankful there are people who are willing to help others as they did. They are heroes we can all look up to.”
