Butler Township first responders recognized after saving man from burning car in November

BUTLER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — It’s not every day that you get to thank the first responders who saved your life, but on Monday, Butler Township first responders got the recognition they deserved after saving a man from a burning car in late November.

ORIGINAL STORY >>> WATCH: Dashcam video shows officers rescuing man from burning car after crash in Butler County

Exclusive dashcam video shows the moment Butler Township fire chief Scott Frederick and police officers Rachel Dovidio and Bill Dobson rushed to save a man from a burning car. That man had suffered a seizure while driving and hit a gas line.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Mother of man saved from burning car in Butler County shares message to rescuers

“I tried to grab and pull him out and realized his seatbelt was on. I went back in, and unclicked his seat belt and by that time the officers were there, and we all pulled him out,” said Frederick.

Weeks after that heroic rescue, the first responders involved got to meet the man they saved during a Butler County commissioners meeting.

“It’s really hard to thank someone who saved your life,” said Ryan Davidson.

Davidson was the man who was saved. Following the accident, he was in a coma. Davidson is still recovering from second-degree burns on his face, shoulders, and hands.

With visible emotion, he thanked the first responders who pulled him to safety.

“It’s been amazing. I’ve been a lifelong Butler County resident, and this is why people like us stay in places like this, it’s a wonderful thing,” said Davidson.

On Monday, county officials, state representatives, and even the hospital where Davidson was treated recognized and awarded the officers for going above and beyond the call of duty following the medical emergency.

“No one does this job for recognition but it’s nice to see some of the efforts are recognized and I try to recognize those that I lead, and this was a humbling opportunity,” said Frederick.

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