HomeMy WebLinkAboutII (A) Presentation - Citizen Awards Agenda 9-21-99
• Item II A
OCOEE POLICE DEPARTMENT
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Ellis Shapiro, City Manager
FROM: Robert E. Mark, Chief of Police.a
DATE: September 8, 1999
SUBJECT: CITIZEN AWARDS
On July 20, 1999, at approximately 1 132 hours, the Ocoee Police Department received a call of a
very serious traffic accident which had occurred at the intersection of Clarke Road and White Road.
During the investigative stage of the accident,the investigating officers determined that two citizens
performed what would be a heroic act by pulling one of the drivers out of a vehicle that was on fire.
The citizens involved are listed below.
James M. Darden Justin Buckew
901 Ridgefield Avenue 8673 Contura Drive
Ocoee, Florida Orlando, Florida
407-877-8405 407-445-2498
Mr. Darden and Mr. Buckew were both operating their vehicles south bound on Clarke Road and
observed the vehicle on fire. Mr. Darden stated he tried to open the driver's door and it was jammed.
He then tried the passenger side door and it was jammed by a pine tree. He goes on to state that he
crawled in the vehicle and could see the driver struggling to get free due to the fire. Mr. Darden was
able to pull the driver from the vehicle with the help of Mr. Buckew. They had to pull the driver
across the seat into the back seat and then exit the vehicle. They carried the driver over to the
sidewalk where they stayed with her until medical attention was given by the Ocoee Fire
Department.
We feel that without their efforts in getting the victim out of the vehicle the injuries she sustained
could have been much worse, or she could have even died as a result of this accident.