Deputies in Cass County receive Medals of Valor for saving occupants in fiery crash

CASS COUNTY, Mich. -- The Cass County Sheriff's Office announced two deputies were presented with Medals of Valor on Thursday, for their efforts in saving two people from a fiery crash in LaGrange Township.

When Deputy Thomas Wilson, Deputy Samual Harris, and Sgt. Ryan Shields responded to a call for a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Pokagon Highway and Dailey Road on the evening of May 23, they found what was described as a "chaotic scene."

A vehicle was trapped under a power pole with live power lines down. Both cars were on fire.

Authorities say Wilson and Harris jumped over the live power lines to approach the vehicle.

One of the occupants exited the vehicle while engulfed in flames. Deputies then used a fire extinguisher to put him out.

A second occupant was still in the burning car, when Wilson threw a fire extinguisher through the window to create an exit.

The passenger then exited the vehicle.

In the letters of recommendation from Cass County Sheriff Richard J. Behnke, it's stated Wilson and Harris disregarded their own safety and jumped into action to save the lives of the victims.

The deputies guided the victims away from the fire and live power lines and placed themselves in danger while doing so.

They then monitored the victims until EMS arrived.

Behnke ends both letters with:

 "Your bravery is a credit to yourself and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. You put the safety of the public before your personal safety and put yourself into harm's way to help a stranger. Your calmness and professionalism have not gone unnoticed.

Please accept this letter of commendation and Medal of Valor as a token of our appreciation.

Thank you for your service to the citizens of Cass County, MI."