Police Honor Darien Couple For Helping Crash Victims

DARIEN, IL – A Darien couple received a commendation from the local police department Monday for their response to a crash near their home.

The couple, Brian and Kristina Payne, were honored at a City Council meeting.

The crash was on Feb. 5 on Cass Avenue.

"There was an accident with injuries. Vehicles were on fire," Police Chief Greg Thomas said. "Luckily, Brian Payne had a fire extinguisher that his wife told him to get. He honored that request, as we all do, and promptly went out and put out the fire because there were a couple of people trapped in the car."

He said Kristina understood the people were in distress, found a coat to keep them warm and rendered aid.

Thomas said the police department likes to honor people who step up in such situations.

The Paynes got their photo taken with the chief and Mayor Joseph Marchese.