CHP Officers Honored For Saving Woman From Fiery Livermore Crash

LIVERMORE, CA — Two California Highway Patrol Dublin Area officers have been recognized for their heroism in saving a driver from her burning car in Livermore.

Officer Samuel Garcia-Zepeda received a Commissioner's Certificate of Commendation for Superior-Effort Act. Officer Luis Toris received a Commander's Certificate of Commendation for Exceptional Performance.

"Had it not been for Officers Garcia-Zepeda and Toris, the driver would have been trapped in her burning vehicle, possibly dying," said Capt. Christopher Sherry, who leads CHP's Dublin Area office. "They are true heroes."

The awards date back to a November 2019 incident in which a drunk driver drove off of Raymond Road at Dagnino Road shortly before 1 a.m., CHP said in a news release. The officers arrived to find her car ablaze, with flames coming from beneath the hood.

The driver was seriously injured and could not exit the car. Garcia-Zepeda dragged her out of the car, injuring his ankle in the process, as Toris tried to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher, CHP said.

The duo carried the woman up an embankment and laid her down in the road.

"Their bravery and willingness to risk their lives is honorable," Sherry said. "These officers lived up to their sworn oaths as public guardians."