Danbury Off-Duty Firefighter Rescues Driver After Crash

DANBURY, CT — Just days after off-duty Deputy Fire Chief Bill Lounsbury came to the aid of an airplane passenger in mid-flight, another of Danbury's bravest learned first-hand there is no such thing as an off-duty firefighter.

Firefighter Jeff Nolet was on his way to work the night shift at Danbury Fire Headquarters Sunday night when he happened upon a single vehicle car accident on the Saw Mill River Parkway. The car had already made its way over the embankment, where a crowd of onlookers informed Nolet that someone was still inside.

After ensuring that 911 had been notified, Nolet proceeded down the embankment to the car which was on its side in a small stream, its engine still running and wheels still turning.

"Without hesitation, Firefighter Nolet entered the calf deep cold muddy water and made contact with the male driver confirming he was the lone occupant in the vehicle," the FD posted on their Facebook page. Nolet then assisted the driver up and out onto the side of the car, from where he carried him away from the vehicle while negotiating the mud and water.

"A bystander provided additional assistance carrying the confused patient up the embankment to a safe area on the side of the road," according to the report.

Nolet made sure the driver kept warm before transferring his care to the first responders.

"Shortly after he departed the scene to make it on time to the start of his night shift," the social media post said.