On January 9, 2025, a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper took decisive action to save a driver trapped in a burning vehicle following an accident on the Dallas Tollway near Spring Creek Parkway.

At approximately 2:20 a.m., Trooper Cody Durham was on routine patrol traveling southbound when he noticed smoke emanating from a crashed vehicle in the northbound lanes. Upon reaching the scene, he found the vehicle engulfed in flames with the driver still inside.

Trooper Durham entered through the back passenger door of the smoke-filled car and began pulling the driver out until they were safely away from the fire. "I believed once I started pulling, that was going to be the only way to get him out," said Trooper Durham. "I just kept pulling and pulling until we were out of the car."

Emergency services from Plano EMS arrived shortly after and transported the driver to Medical City Plano for medical attention. The Plano Fire Department also responded to extinguish the fire.

"Trooper Durham courageously intervened to save a life, demonstrating the true essence of our commitment to the safety of Texans," stated DPS North Texas Regional Director Jeremy Sherrod. "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."

Trooper Durham was treated for smoke inhalation at Plano Presbyterian Hospital and subsequently released.

A video capturing Trooper Durham's rescue is available for viewing.