Waterbury Teen Rescues Family Of 4 From Burning Car

WATERBURY, CT — An 18-year-old is being lauded for rescuing a family from a burning car, according to FOX 61.

Waterbury police posted the following on Facebook: "Chief Fernando Spagnolo thanks Justin Gavin (age 18) for helping to save a mother and her three children from a burning car. Great job Justin!"

Gavin saw a car burning on West Main Street that rolled to a stop on Sperry Street. Gavin approached the car while flames sprang from it to open the door and help the mother escape, FOX 61 reported.

He then saw that three children — the youngest of whom was a one-year-old — were also stuck in the car. He braved the flames to remove all three children as well.

The woman credits Gavin with saving her and her family's lives, WFSB reported.

Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo gave Gavin a "challenge coin," which acknowledges a heroic act.