CRIME, POLICE + COURTS

Unified police officer rescues driver from burning semi in Little Cottonwood

Jun 13, 2024, 7:00 AM

YouTube video

UPDATE: KSL TV acquired body camera footage showing the officer pulling the driver from the crash, with help from witnesses at the scene.

YouTube video


SALT LAKE CITY — On Monday morning, a fiery rollover crash off state Route 210 in Little Cottonwood Canyon closed the road for hours.

Witnesses didn’t think anyone could have survived the explosion, but one Unified police officer ran into the flames to make a daring rescue.

A supervisor from the Unified Police Department identified officer Wilson from the Canyon Patrol Unit as the hero who rushed in to rescue a driver pinned in the burning semitruck. At the request of the supervisor KSL will only use the officer’s last name.

“The officer was super humble and didn’t expect anything from the whole thing; he just went in there not knowing the situation. He didn’t know if the guy was alive or dead. The officer put himself at risk. That level of courage is what you want in a police officer. He is amazing! He is a hero,” said Justin Morgan, a witness who called 911.

Wilson arrived solo on the scene with no fire-protectant gear.

Read the full story and more from Brittany Tait on KSLTV.com.

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Unified police officer rescues driver from burning semi in Little Cottonwood