Northridge honors man for fiery crash rescue – NBC Los Angeles

Councilmember John Lee and the LAPD Devonshire Division on Saturday honored a younger man who risked his personal life to avoid wasting two others after a fiery crash in Northridge earlier this 12 months.

“A particular presentation for somebody who’s proven what it means to be an angel in Metropolis of Angels,” Lee mentioned. “You’ve gotten a group that’s so grateful for what you probably did and stepping up in occasions of want.”

Within the early morning of Feb. 9, Fermin Hernandez was driving alongside Nordhoff Avenue when he noticed a crash.

“I noticed two folks contained in the Tesla weren’t popping out,” Hernandez mentioned. “There’s one thing occurring. Smoke. I’ve to do one thing.”

With out hesitation, he ran to the car — however the doorways have been locked. He tried every thing, together with punching the window. After a number of makes an attempt and injuring his hand, Hernandez managed to open a door with the assistance of one other witness. He then pulled the primary sufferer to security.

“Did not consider ache or concern. I simply acted,” Hernandez mentioned. “I opened the door, noticed the gentleman, dragged him out, noticed a lady nonetheless contained in the automotive.”

That is when the state of affairs turned much more harmful. Hernandez noticed the fireplace reaching the girl’s legs.

“I wanted to get her out,” Hernandez mentioned. “And the entire time, the automotive was exploding — having small explosions.”

Hernandez saved attempting to get the girl out, going through the not possible alternative of risking his life.

“I used to be feeling hopeless. I am both going to burn together with her or, no different possibility, have to get her out. Do not care what it takes,” he mentioned.

It took three makes an attempt, however he lastly pulled her free, simply earlier than the car grew to become absolutely engulfed in flames.

Saturday’s recognition serves as a reminder of compassion, selflessness and bravado. However for Hernandez, the reward and award is not what issues most.

“Irrespective of if they are a stranger, they’re human, and human life issues,” the honoree mentioned. “I do not really feel like a hero — only a human searching for different human beings. I simply wish to unfold positivity.”