On January 9, 2025, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper Cody Durham sprang into action to rescue a driver trapped inside a burning vehicle following a serious crash on the Dallas Tollway near Spring Creek Parkway.
At approximately 2:20 a.m., while on routine patrol, Trooper Durham noticed a vehicle emitting smoke in the northbound lanes of the tollway. Upon further investigation, he discovered that the vehicle had crashed and was now engulfed in flames with the driver still trapped inside.
Without hesitation, Trooper Durham approached the vehicle, opened the back passenger door, and entered the smoke-filled car. Despite the growing danger, he managed to pull the driver from the wreckage and drag him to safety, away from the burning vehicle.
“I believed once I started pulling, that was going to be the only way to get him out,” Trooper Durham said. “I just kept pulling and pulling until we were out of the car.”
Plano EMS arrived shortly afterward and transported the driver to Medical City Plano for treatment. The Plano Fire Department extinguished the fire.
Trooper Durham was treated for smoke inhalation at Plano Presbyterian Hospital before being released.
“Trooper Durham courageously intervened to save a life, demonstrating the true essence of our commitment to the safety of Texans,” said Jeremy Sherrod, DPS North Texas Regional Director. “His quick thinking and selfless action not only averted tragedy but also reaffirmed our belief in the profound impact that dedicated law enforcement officers have on the lives of those they serve.”
