Uploaded October 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Four Los Angeles Police Officers and a civilian photographer were recognized today by the Los Angeles Board of Fire Commissioners for their display of extraordinary bravery during the daring rescue of two individuals from a burning vehicle in Encino.
Just after midnight on February 20, 2024, a vehicle crashed head-on into a traffic light pole at the intersection of Ventura and Balboa Boulevards. The impact caused the car to erupt in flames, prompting immediate action from the responding officers.
As fire engulfed the vehicle, four LAPD Officers sprang into action. They tried to extinguish the flames while pulling the driver and front passenger to safety. Despite the intense heat billowing from the car, they continued to make desperate attempts to reach a rear passenger trapped inside by smashing the windows.
Capturing the harrowing scene was Howard Raishbrook, a photographer from RMG News. He was filming the chaotic rescue when he learned that a third person remained trapped in the car. “I can see a big orange bowl of fire, and I can see LAPD rushing toward this, smashing out the windows,” Raishbrook recounted. “I thought, ‘Hopefully, everybody’s out.’ They were pulling two people out, and I heard one of the victims say, ‘There’s someone else in the car.’ So I ran back, grabbed my fire extinguisher, and tried to help. I mean, I put the fire extinguisher through; it didn’t seem to do too much, and luckily, the fire station was a block away, so they came and put the fire out. But the heat was intense. I was worried about it exploding. I could hear bangs as I was running up.”
Thanks to the swift, determined and heroic actions of the officers and Raishbrook, two teenage girls in the car were rescued with minor injuries. Sadly, the female teen in the rear seat was beyond their reach and perished in the accident.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and Board President Genethia Hudley-Hayes both emphasized the specific actions of the LAPD officers, noting this is only one of many that happened to be captured on video. “With no protective gear, with no real training at putting out fires, did the best they could and saved lives”, President Hudley-Hayes.
The incident stands as a testament to the courage of first responders and civilians alike, exemplifying the spirit of community and heroism in the face of danger.
Honorees:
LAPD Officers Yulian Castrillo, Kevin Hernandez, Alexander Martinez and Cheyne Underwood and photographer Howard Raishbrook.
Four Los Angeles Police Officers and a civilian photographer were recognized today by the Los Angeles Board of Fire Commissioners for their display of extraordinary bravery during the daring rescue of two individuals from a burning vehicle in Encino.
Just after midnight on February 20, 2024, a vehicle crashed head-on into a traffic light pole at the intersection of Ventura and Balboa Boulevards. The impact caused the car to erupt in flames, prompting immediate action from the responding officers.
As fire engulfed the vehicle, four LAPD Officers sprang into action. They tried to extinguish the flames while pulling the driver and front passenger to safety. Despite the intense heat billowing from the car, they continued to make desperate attempts to reach a rear passenger trapped inside by smashing the windows.
Capturing the harrowing scene was Howard Raishbrook, a photographer from RMG News. He was filming the chaotic rescue when he learned that a third person remained trapped in the car. “I can see a big orange bowl of fire, and I can see LAPD rushing toward this, smashing out the windows,” Raishbrook recounted. “I thought, ‘Hopefully, everybody’s out.’ They were pulling two people out, and I heard one of the victims say, ‘There’s someone else in the car.’ So I ran back, grabbed my fire extinguisher, and tried to help. I mean, I put the fire extinguisher through; it didn’t seem to do too much, and luckily, the fire station was a block away, so they came and put the fire out. But the heat was intense. I was worried about it exploding. I could hear bangs as I was running up.”
Thanks to the swift, determined and heroic actions of the officers and Raishbrook, two teenage girls in the car were rescued with minor injuries. Sadly, the female teen in the rear seat was beyond their reach and perished in the accident.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and Board President Genethia Hudley-Hayes both emphasized the specific actions of the LAPD officers, noting this is only one of many that happened to be captured on video. “With no protective gear, with no real training at putting out fires, did the best they could and saved lives”, President Hudley-Hayes.
The incident stands as a testament to the courage of first responders and civilians alike, exemplifying the spirit of community and heroism in the face of danger.
Honorees:
LAPD Officers Yulian Castrillo, Kevin Hernandez, Alexander Martinez and Cheyne Underwood and photographer Howard Raishbrook.
