Officer Saves Man, Dog From Burning Car Hanging Over Embankment

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — An environmental conservation officer who made a daring rescue in April has been honored for his bravery and quick action.

New York ECO Daniel Franz was on patrol April 7 when he saw a car hanging over the edge of an embankment at the intersection of Route 301 and Gipsy Trail Road in Carmel with a man and a dog inside.

He also saw that the car had caught fire in the crash, and that flames were spreading quickly underneath it. He also saw that the driver was unable to get out on his own.

Franz crawled into the burning car through the passenger side, retrieved the dog, and pulled the driver out of the mangled car, dragging him a few yards away before the car exploded into a ball of fire.

Emergency Medical Services transported the man and his dog for a medical evaluation. Franz, unscathed, continued his patrol.

Franz's split-second decision to place the safety of others before his own was heroic, said officials at the state Department of Environmental Conservation. In recognition of this selfless and courageous service, DEC Commissioner Seggos presented him with the Commissioner’s Meritorious Service Award, DEC’s highest recognition.